Category: South Africa Government

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Call to leverage science for a sustainable future

Source: Government of South Africa

Science, technology, and innovation hold the key to shaping inclusive, just, and sustainable societies – and global leaders must recognise their transformative power, says Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande.

Nzimande was speaking during his keynote address at the 9th Biennial Conference, held under the theme “Science, Technology, and Innovation for a Sustainable Future.”

He urged policymakers, scientists, researchers, and innovators to ensure that advancements in these fields serve the public good, promote social justice, and respond to the needs of both people and the planet.

“As policy makers, scientists, researchers, and innovators, we carry a huge responsibility to ensure that science, technology and innovation serve the public good, advance social justice and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.

“It is, therefore, my sincere hope that you will see this conference as an opportunity to strengthen our resolve to harness science, technology and innovation not only to build knowledge systems that are inclusive, ethical, but also responsive to the needs of our planet and its people,” Nzimande told the attendees.

The session was held in collaboration with the Global Sustainable Technology and Innovation Community (G-STIC), an initiative led by the Belgian Research and Technology Organisation (VITO).

Hosted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the gathering coincides with the entity’s 80th anniversary, celebrating its positive impact through innovation.

In addition, he stated that the African continent cannot afford to be left behind in the ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) revolution occurring globally.

“A sovereign research agenda will ensure that Africa does not fall into the trap, as was the case with previous technological revolutions, of being reduced to mere importers and consumers of other people’s AI solutions.” 

He believes that the development of a sovereign research agenda for Africa is critical. 

“As the African continent, we do not want a repeat of the tragedy we experienced during the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the lives of millions on our continent were dependent on the vaccines from other parts of the world.”

As the threat to multilateralism increases due to the aggressive tactics of certain countries and the ongoing genocide in Gaza, he emphasised that the lessons learned from these challenges indicate that no country can address these issues in isolation.

“Also, more than ever before, we must be intentional about mobilising all the available scientific knowledge in the world, to develop sustainable responses to the challenges of our time.” 

Nzimande also took the time to congratulate the leadership and staff of the CSIR on their milestone of 80 years. 

“Formed in 1945, the apartheid government used the CSIR as part of its oppressive machinery to, among others, produce weapons to commit all manner of atrocities against our people in South Africa and parts of the African continent.

“With the advent of democracy, the democratic government repositioned CSIR to play a more progressive role in society and for it to use its research and scientific capabilities for the development of our country and continent,” he explained. 

In alignment with the government’s strategic priorities, the CSIR has played a crucial role in advancing key sectors such as health, defence, energy, mining, manufacturing, digital innovation, and supporting small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs).

“I am proud to state that the CSIR plays a profoundly progressive role in our country’s development agenda and continues to be one of the most well-run public institutions in our country.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Government condemns attacks on police officers

Source: Government of South Africa

Government has condemned all forms of physical or verbal attacks directed at police officers or any law enforcement officers. 

“Such actions are not only criminal and punishable by law, but they also endanger the very individuals sworn to protect communities and uphold public safety,” said Deputy Government spokesperson William Baloyi.

This follows a recent video showing police officers being attacked in Kimberley in the Northern Cape but similarly pertains to a number of previous incidents. 

The swift arrest of the two suspects involved, including one who assaulted a female police officer, is a clear warning that government will not tolerate any act of aggression or obstruction against law enforcement officials.

“An attack on a police officer is an attack on the rule of law itself. It undermines the stability and safety of our society and erodes the principles of respect and accountability on which our democracy stands. 

“Respect for law enforcement is not optional; it is a civic duty and a cornerstone of public order. We urge all citizens to act responsibly and respectfully when engaging with law enforcement officers, especially as we approach the festive season. 

“Police officers are working tirelessly to ensure that everyone can enjoy a safe and peaceful holiday period. Their safety and security are paramount, they must be able to carry out their duties without fear of attack or intimidation,” Baloyi said.

He added that police officers serve on the front lines every day, often under difficult and dangerous conditions, to protect communities, prevent crime and respond to emergencies. 

“Cooperation with officers’ lawful instructions is essential. While citizens may sometimes disagree with an officer’s actions, such disagreement can never justify violence, abuse, or interference. Concerns or complaints about conduct should always be channelled through proper reporting mechanisms after the fact.

“As the festive season approaches, a time when law enforcement presence intensifies to safeguard communities, government calls on all South Africans to show respect, patience, and cooperation,” he said. 

Baloyi urged members of public to ensure that the holiday season is marked by safety, responsibility and mutual respect between citizens and those who protect them. – SAnews.gov.za

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Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa to the Global Gateway Forum, Brussels, Belgium

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellency, President Ursula von der Leyen,
Fellow Heads of State and Government from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and Europe,
Honourable Ministers,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Thank you for inviting South Africa to this Global Gateway Forum. 
 
It is a privilege to address this forum, which brings together partners to strengthen cooperation, advance shared priorities and find solutions to the pressing global challenges of our time. 
 
This forum is taking place at a time of geopolitical uncertainty and instability, negatively impacting security and economic growth in many parts of the world.
 
These circumstances require comprehensive, coordinated and forward-looking solutions. These challenges call for a renewed commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflict, respect for international law, the strengthening of multilateralism and the progressive reform of international bodies like the United Nations and the WTO.
 
As a country, we welcome the opportunity to participate in this forum.
 
The strategic partnership between South Africa and the European Union has evolved in scope and substance over the years.
 
The South Africa-EU Summit in Cape Town in March this year reaffirmed our shared values and further deepened our cooperation. 
 
Together, we have an opportunity to strengthen resilience by advancing investments in digital and green infrastructure, fostering innovation, securing supply chains and encouraging diversification that supports sustainable and inclusive growth. 
 
We welcome the support this partnership provides to the development of transport networks, a just transition and climate resilience, pandemic preparedness and vaccine production, and digital connectivity. 
 
As we work to strengthen trade and investment ties, we must also address those issues that hold back more robust, more diverse and more impactful trade and investment between African and European countries.
 
We need to work together to overcome the tariff and non-tariff barriers that constrain the breadth and the scale of African exports to the European Union.
 
We must use investment and trade as effective instruments to foster industrialisation on the African continent.
 
The Global Gateway provides an opportunity to support the priorities that countries have identified and are pursuing themselves.
 
South Africa has embarked on a just transition that advances renewable energy while safeguarding energy security and enabling social and economic development.
 
We are using our natural resource endowments – such as solar, wind and our critical minerals – to build industries that will grow our economies.
 
As South Africa, we are undertaking far-reaching economic reforms in energy, water, logistics and telecommunications that are making our country more competitive and improving the investment environment.
 
As a country, we are undertaking a massive infrastructure investment drive to expand the capacity of our economy and meet the developmental needs of our people. 
 
As a continent, Africa is striving for universal access to energy through diversification, equitable financing and technology transfer. 
 
The support from the EU and its member states will play an important part in this journey. 
 
It is important that the substantial investments that are being made through the Global Gateway are structured in a manner that empowers African countries and does not replace one dependency with another.
 
They must enable African countries to pursue development paths that are suited to their circumstances and to the needs of their people.
 
South Africa is hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit next month under the theme of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability. 
 
With around 100 of the 132 official meetings having been held since we took over the presidency of the G20 from Brazil, South Africa is well on its way in preparations towards hosting a successful G20 Summit for the first time on African soil.
 
We welcome the support of the European Union for our G20 priorities to address the many challenges that developing economy countries are facing.

Many developing economy countries face unsustainable debt burdens. A key issue for the G20 must be to develop solutions to address the debt burden that holds back the growth and development of many developing economy countries, especially in Africa. 

We need further measures to ensure fair and equitable access to finance and debt sustainability so that these countries can meet the needs of their people and realise their potential. 
 
It is simply unacceptable that many developing economy countries pay much more for their debt than what more developed economy countries pay.
 
This unfair treatment perpetuates inequality not only between individuals but amongst countries as well. 
 
It is for this reason that South Africa has set up a G20 Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Wealth Inequality, led by Professor Joseph Stiglitz, to table a report at the G20 Leaders’ Summit on the issue of inequality.
 
We must build consensus on the reform of international financial institutions, particularly multilateral development banks, to better tackle global challenges.
 
We have recognised the need to massively increase support for climate action in the Global South and for reconstruction in the aftermath of extreme weather events. Greater support needs to be given developing economy countries through climate financing.
 
We are also calling for stronger action against predatory mining practices and for fair management of critical minerals. 
 
We are focusing on strengthening the multilateral trading system, while recognising that the World Trade Organisation remains the only multilateral body capable of managing divergences and coordinating positions in global trade.
 
We remain committed to working closely with the European Union to ensure that our shared ambitions translate into tangible outcomes. 
 
Together, we can foster inclusive growth, build resilience and create a sustainable and secure future for all our people.
 
I thank you.

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Minister Angie Motshekga appointed as Acting President

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, October 9, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, to serve as Acting President of the Republic of South Africa during the concurrent absence from the country of both the President and the Deputy President.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Presidency said this appointment is made in accordance with Section 90(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which provides for the delegation of Presidential authority when both the President and the Deputy President are unable to fulfil the duties of the office.

President Ramaphosa undertook an official visit to Ireland on Wednesday and will thereafter attend the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium on Thursday. 

“During this period, Minister Motshekga will accordingly serve as Acting President of the Republic of South Africa,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa arrives in Brussels for Global Gateway Forum

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has on Wednesday evening arrived in Brussels in the Kingdom of Belgium following a successful Official Visit to Ireland.

At the invitation of the President of the European Commission, H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President Ramaphosa will lead South Africa’s participation in the Global Gateway Forum (GGF), taking place from 9-10 October 2025.

Today, President Ramaphosa will address the Opening Plenary Session on the theme: “Advancing Global Connectivity in the Face of Geopolitical and Geoeconomic Challenges.”

Later, on the margins of the Forum, the President will hold bilateral meetings with Heads of State and Government attending the GGF and engage with leading CEOs of industry.

“South Africa’s participation in the Global Gateway Forum aims to attract trade and investment, strengthen relations, and leverage mutual opportunities in the lead-up to the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

“The European Union’s external investment strategy, known as Global Gateway, seeks to boost smart, clean, and secure links in the digital, energy, and transport sectors, while strengthening health, education, and research systems across the world,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

President von der Leyen will lead the GGF, which brings together Heads of State and Government, along with senior representatives from governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society. The Forum will explore innovative strategies for scaling up European investments in partner countries.

Building on the success of the inaugural Forum in 2023, this year’s event will focus on advancing global connectivity amid geopolitical and geo-economic challenges. 

Heads of State and Government from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe, as well as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, will attend. A high-level South African business delegation will also participate in the Forum.

The visit to Brussels follows recent engagements between President Ramaphosa and President von der Leyen, including their meeting on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, and the successful 8th South Africa–EU Summit held in March 2025. 

On the margins of the GGF, the two Leaders will hold a bilateral meeting and subsequently address a joint media briefing on the EU–South Africa Investment Announcement.

The Presidency said this engagement takes place within the framework of the Strategic Partnership between South Africa and the European Union. 

The EU remains South Africa’s largest trade and investment partner and a key development cooperation partner. South Africa’s exports to the EU increased by 82%, from approximately R203.2 billion in 2016 to R370.7 billion in 2024, while imports from the EU rose by 38%, from R308.8 billion in 2016 to R427 billion in 2024 over the same period.

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola; the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande; the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi; and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Special Official Funeral to honour Ambassador Mthethwa

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, October 9, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2.

The funeral service will take place at KwaMbonambi in KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday, 12 October 2025.

Ambassador Mthethwa, who served as South Africa’s Head of Mission in Paris, France, passed away in the French capital on 30 September 2025, at the age of 58.

He was appointed as Ambassador to France in December 2023, following 15 years in Cabinet where he served in the portfolios of Sport, Arts and Culture; Arts and Culture; Police; and Safety and Security. His tenure in the National Executive was preceded by a lifetime of political involvement and leadership.

“On behalf of Government and the nation, President Ramaphosa reiterates his deepest condolences to Ambassador Mthethwa’s wife, Ms Philisiwe Buthelezi, and the extended Mthethwa and Buthelezi families.

“The President assures the families of the nation’s appreciation for the diverse roles in which Ambassador Mthethwa served the country,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

The Special Official Funeral Category 2 declared by President Ramaphosa will entail ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service.

The President has also directed that the National Flag be flown half-mast from today until the evening of the funeral on Sunday, 12 October. 

Mthethwa’s body is currently enroute from France to South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA, Nigeria reaffirm commitment to cooperation in science and innovation

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa and Nigeria have reaffirmed their full commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in science, technology, and innovation (STI) as this remains a priority within the countries’ science diplomacy agendas.

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, met with Alexander Temitope Ajayi, Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to South Africa in Pretoria on Wednesday, on the margins of the Nigerian Independence Day celebration. 

The engagement was aimed at strengthening dialogue and exploring avenues to operationalise the Bilateral Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, signed between the two countries in 2001.

Speaking at the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, the Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of revitalising STI collaboration between the two nations.

Since South Africa and Nigeria signed the bilateral agreement, cooperation in the STI between the two countries has been dormant in recent years, despite both countries being key players in Africa’s STI landscape, with strong research institutions and innovation ecosystems. 

“Reviving our STI partnership could unlock immense potential for collaborative research, technology transfer, capacity building, and joint innovation projects,” said Deputy Minister Gina.

The Deputy Minister further highlighted that renewed collaboration could open new opportunities in renewable energy, health innovation, digital transformation, and space science, areas that align with both countries’ development priorities and the African Union’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2034).

Meanwhile, Ajayi said South Africa and Nigeria have the required resources to operationalise the existing STI agreement, within which several areas of collaboration could be exploited, further expressing commitment in this regard. 

This and other areas of cooperation will be discussed during the upcoming binational commission in Abuja between the two countries’ foreign affairs ministers.

“The time has come for technology to play a very revolutionary role in the development of Africa, and South Africa and Nigeria can collaborate in digital technologies to position the continent to the outside world as a leader in this sector,” said Ajayi, pointing to the plethora of innovators and entrepreneurs in Africa. 

He noted a proposed establishment of a Special Technology Envoy on Digital and Emerging Technologies, as another area of collaboration to exploit with South Africa. 

This establishment will be a high-level diplomatic mechanism that will serve as the permanent representative body within the African Union systems, leading on all technology-related matters, both within Africa and globally.

“This initiative aims to position the African continent as an active voice and contributor in the formulation of international technology investments, geopolitics, policy, governance norms, and innovation-driven development,” he said.

Other areas of cooperation discussed included technical visits, people-to-people exchanges, as well as collaboration on research and development among universities in both countries. 

Congratulating Nigeria on its independence, Gina reflected on the deep historical ties between South Africa and Nigeria, noting the latter’s unwavering support during the struggle against apartheid and its continued leadership in advancing African unity and development.

“As Africa’s two largest economies, South Africa and Nigeria share a responsibility to drive the continent’s development agenda and ensure that innovation becomes a cornerstone of Africa’s growth,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng detectives secure over 1 200 convictions in three months

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng detectives secure over 1 200 convictions in three months

Detectives in the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng have secured 1 208 convictions between 1 July and 30 September 2025, marking a substantial step forward in the province’s ongoing fight against crime. 

According to the SAPS, a total of 178 suspects, aged between 20 and 62, were sentenced to imprisonment for various serious crimes.

“The Convictions included house robbery, kidnapping, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, shoplifting, malicious damage to property, assault, house breaking and theft, common robbery, assault GBH, illegal immigrant theft, rape, possession of suspected stolen property and culpable homicide,” the SAPS said in a statement.

The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units also recorded notable successes, securing 44 life sentences and a combined 637 years of imprisonment against 68 accused for crimes against women and children during the three months period.

The High Court on 8 September 2025, sentenced two accused aged 25 years, for their roles in terrorizing communities in Germiston, Elsburg, Vosloorus and Zonkizizwe. 

“The suspects were sentenced for house robbery, rape, kidnapping, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The accused were both sentenced to13 life imprisonments for rape, 150 years for robbery and housebreaking (10 counts of 15 years), 18 years for kidnapping (6 counts of 3 years), 5 years for possession of an unlicensed firearm, and 3 years for possession of ammunition,” the SAPS said.

Some of the sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective 13 life sentences and 165 years imprisonment for each accused.

In a separate case, a 36-year-old man was sentenced to two life terms for two counts of murder, three years for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), and eight years for attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances. 

The sentences will run concurrently, and the offender was declared unfit to possess a firearm. 

He was found guilty on 11 August 2025 by the Pretoria High Court following a case reported at SAPS Lyttelton on 28 January 2025. 

The Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, has commended the detectives for their dedication and tireless efforts in securing these convictions. 

“This achievement underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community in driving crime reduction initiatives forward,” Mthombeni said. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa arrives in Brussels to advance trade and investment at the EU Global Gateway Forum

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this evening, 08 October 2025, arrived in Brussels in the Kingdom of Belgium following a successful Official Visit to Ireland.

At the invitation of the President of the European Commission, H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President Ramaphosa will lead South Africa’s participation in the Global Gateway Forum (GGF) taking place from 09 – 10 October 2025.

On Thursday, 09 October 2025, President Ramaphosa will address the Opening Plenary Session on the theme “Advancing Global Connectivity in the Face of Geopolitical and Geoeconomic Challenges.” Later, on the margins of the Forum, the President will hold bilateral meetings with Heads of State and Government attending the GGF and engage with leading CEOs of industry.

South Africa’s participation in the Global Gateway Forum aims to attract trade and investment, strengthen relations, and leverage mutual opportunities in the lead-up to the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

The European Union’s external investment strategy, known as Global Gateway, seeks to boost smart, clean, and secure links in the digital, energy, and transport sectors, while strengthening health, education, and research systems across the world.

President von der Leyen will lead the GGF, which brings together Heads of State and Government, along with senior representatives from governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society. The Forum will explore innovative strategies for scaling up European investments in partner countries.

Building on the success of the inaugural Forum in 2023, this year’s event will focus on advancing global connectivity amid geopolitical and geo-economic challenges. Heads of State and Government from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe, as well as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, will attend. A high-level South African business delegation will also participate in the Forum.

The visit to Brussels follows recent engagements between President Ramaphosa and President von der Leyen, including their meeting on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, and the successful 8th South Africa–EU Summit held in March 2025. On the margins of the GGF, the two Leaders will hold a bilateral meeting and subsequently address a joint media briefing on the EU–South Africa Investment Announcement.

This engagement takes place within the framework of the Strategic Partnership between South Africa and the European Union. The EU remains South Africa’s largest trade and investment partner and a key development cooperation partner. South Africa’s exports to the EU increased by 82%, from approximately R203.2 billion in 2016 to R370.7 billion in 2024, while imports from the EU rose by 38%, from R308.8 billion in 2016 to R427 billion in 2024 over the same period.

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Ronald Lamola; the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Bonginkosi Nzimande; the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr. Solly Malatsi; and senior Government officials.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa honours Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa with declaration of Special Official Funeral Category 2

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 at KwaMbonambi in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, 12 October 2025.

Ambassador Mthethwa, who served as South Africa’s Head of Mission in Paris, France, passed away in the French capital on 30 September 2025, at the age of 58.

He was appointed as Ambassador to France in December 2023, after serving in Cabinet for 15 years in the portfolios of Sport, Arts and Culture; Arts and Culture; Police, and Safety and Security.

His tenure in the National Executive followed a lifetime of political involvement and leadership.

On behalf of Government and the nation, President Ramaphosa reiterates his deepest condolences to Ambassador Mthethwa’s wife, Ms Philisiwe Buthelezi, and the extended Mthethwa and Buthelezi families.

The President assures the families of the nation’s appreciation for the diverse roles in which Ambassador Mthethwa served the country.

The Special Official Funeral Category 2 declared by President Ramaphosa will entail ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service.

The President has also directed that the National Flag be flown half-mast from tomorrow morning, Thursday, 9 October 2025, until the evening of the funeral on Sunday, 12 October.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria