Category: South Africa Government

Government’s newly approved national strategy aimed at accelerating action for children is one tool aimed at improving the circumstances of the country’s most vulnerable.

In his address to the nation through the weekly newsletter on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that despite the gains made since the advent of democracy, nearly half of South Africa’s children still live in poverty and face high levels of abuse, neglect and poor health outcomes.

Earlier this month, Cabinet approved the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC), a wide-ranging framework designed to improve the health, safety and development of children and adolescents. The strategy will be implemented through the 5th National Plan of Action for Children (2025–2030) and seeks to mobilise government, business, labour and civil society around a shared agenda for children.

“The best way to secure our country’s future is to invest in the health and well-being of its children,” President Ramaphosa said, noting that while progress has been made in reducing child poverty and mortality since 1994, significant challenges remain.

According to a recent Statistics South Africa report, child poverty declined from 69% in 2006 to 49% in 2023. However, children remain the most affected group, with nearly half living in poverty – the highest rate of any age group.

The newly approved strategy identifies 10 national priorities aligned to key stages in a child’s life, with particular focus on adolescents and children with disabilities. It follows extensive consultations with government departments, the children’s sector and children themselves, and is intended to strengthen coordination across all sectors of society.

President Ramaphosa highlighted early-life disadvantages as a critical concern, pointing to maternal undernutrition and its impact on birth outcomes, breastfeeding and child immunity. Poor nutrition in early childhood, the President said, continues to undermine children’s health, education and long-term prospects.

“This domino effect must be broken,” he said, stressing the need for early interventions to prevent children from falling behind before they even start school.

Crimes against children were also flagged as a major national crisis. During Child Protection Month in May, authorities reported more than 26 000 cases of child abuse and neglect in the 2024/2025 financial year, with the majority involving sexual abuse.

“The experience of children today will determine our nation’s social and economic wellbeing over the next twenty years,” President Ramaphosa said, warning that failure to act decisively would have long-term consequences for communities and the economy.

As part of the new strategy, government has announced the launch of a national “Hold My Hand” campaign, calling on every South African to take practical action to improve the lives of children.

The campaign urges citizens to imagine the impact if every child had “enough love, enough food, safety and brainpower”, arguing that such collective action could fundamentally change the country’s future.

Business and organised labour were singled out as key partners in the effort. 

President Ramaphosa said the private sector’s resources and logistics networks could help support under-resourced early learning programmes, while trade unions have a role to play in advocating for time and support for working parents.

The President also paid tribute to civil society organisations, health workers, teachers, social workers, child and youth care workers, as well as parents and grandparents, for their longstanding role in protecting and nurturing children.

“For the sake of our shared future, we must work together to ensure that our nation’s children and young people grow, thrive and are happy,” he said, calling for renewed commitment as the country heads into the new year. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver a keynote address at the national commemoration of Reconciliation Day, taking place at the Ncome Museum within the uMzinyathi District, in KwaZulu-Natal. 

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government will lead this year’s national event under the theme: “Reaffirming Reconciliation for Future Generations.”

This year’s theme enshrines on the call for South Africans to deepen commitment to unity, healing, forgiveness and nation-building for shared future.

The selection of the Battle of Blood River heritage site at the Ncome Museum signifies the value of cherishing unity and peace collectively as South Africans.

“The fierce battle between the Voortrekker invaders and the Zulu forces unfolded 187 years ago in 1838 and marked a historical episode that shaped differing and often divisive commemorative customs for more than a century.

“However, as a part of redressing the past injustices in South Africa, the democratic government redefined the day in 1995 as the National Day of Reconciliation onwards.

“That was a unifying effort to transform the day from a symbol of division into a transformative platform for truth, justice, dialogue, healing and a shared nationhood,” the Presidency said on Sunday.

Hosting the programme on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, at Ncome reaffirms this commitment and invites the nation to engage honestly with its complex past while advancing a future rooted in inclusion, understanding and unity, it said. 

READ | South Africans urged to deepen commitment to unity this Reconciliation Month

–SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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Two suspected blue light robbers were shot and killed on Sunday following a shootout with the police in Parys, Free State.

It is reported that a team of various police units in Gauteng, including Tactical Response Team, Traffic Airwing, Detectives Tracking Team, Head Office Counter Intelligence and private security companies operationalised intelligence information about a VW Golf 7 vehicle involved in blue light robberies. 

The team strategically placed themselves and the vehicle was spotted driving on the R59 road fitted with blue lights. 

As police attempted to stop it, the vehicle sped off leading to a high-speed chase and a shootout between the suspects and the police. The suspects’ vehicle lost control and collided into a fence in the Parys area. 

Two suspects dressed in police uniform were found dead in the car. The team further recovered two unlicensed firearms with ammunition, SAPS uniform with insignia, blue lights, sirens and false registration numbers.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects have been involved in blue light robberies happening on the R59 and other roads between Gauteng and Free State provinces. They hijack victims and kidnap them for hours, while withdrawing sums of money from the victims’ bank accounts.

“The police will continue to intensify their efforts to crackdown on these robberies. The public is once more urged not to stop on isolated areas but rather drive to the nearest police station or filling station. For any criminal activities, the public can report on the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Reserve Bank has advised market participants that it will be closed for trading and settlement on several public holidays this festive season.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) will be closed for trading and settlement on the following official public holidays:
• Tuesday, 16 December 2025 
• Thursday, 25 December 2025
• Friday, 26 December 2025 and
• Thursday, 1 January 2026

“The SARB’s open market and foreign exchange transactions have been scheduled to mature and settle on official business days during December 2025 and January 2026. No settlement will take place via the South African Multiple Option Settlement (SAMOS) system on the dates specified above,” the central bank said.

The SARB’s foreign exchange desk will close at 12:00 midday on 24 and 31 December 2025. 

Domestic money market operations will be conducted as usual, with the position closing at 16:55 on both days.
Queries regarding the above may be directed to Provia Mangoedi at +27 12 313 4952 and Andries Tshishonga at +27 12 313 4950. –SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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Police in the Northern Cape have nabbed 360 suspects in connection with various crimes. 

The arrests were made during the intelligence-driven ‘Safer Festive Season’ campaign under Operation Shanela II.

“During the operations, SAPS members confiscated alcoholic beverages, ammunition, cash suspected to be the proceeds of crime, dangerous weapons, diamonds, drugs and a firearm,” the police said in a statement.

These weekly high-density, multi-disciplinary operations were conducted from 8 -14 December across all five districts of the Northern Cape.

“As part of the disruptive actions, 3 981 motor vehicles were stopped and 7 932 persons were searched during numerous roadblocks and vehicle check points.

“Compliance inspections were carried out at farms, mines, formal and informal businesses, as well as second-hand goods dealers. A total of 17 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed.

“Detectives executed tracing operations to track down perpetrators who have been evading arrest for an array of crimes,” the police said.

During the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children in the ZF Mgcawu District last week, Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, reassured community members of SAPS’ continued commitment to ensuring their safety. 

She further encouraged communities to break the silence by reporting criminal activities and commended the multi-disciplinary teams for their dedication in keeping the Northern Cape and its communities safe. 

Community engagements, awareness programmes and crime prevention disruptive actions will continue as the Christmas period approaches and beyond to ensure sustainable safety of all inhabitants and visitors to the province. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has welcomed a high court decision confirming the publication of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination results in newspapers and across accredited media platforms, consistent with long-standing national practice.

“The Department of Basic Education welcomes the judgment delivered by the High Court, which confirms that the department is lawfully authorised to publish NSC examination results in newspapers and across accredited media platforms, consistent with long-standing national practice.

“The judgment provides crucial legal clarity for learners, parents, institutions and the media, following recent uncertainty regarding the publication of matric results. In its findings, the Court condoned the department’s late filing of the appeal and proceeded to consider the matter on its merits,” the department said in a statement.

This as the full bench of the Pretoria High Court to set aside the Information Regulator’s Enforcement Notice wherein the regulator sought to block the publication of matric results.

The Enforcement Notice was issued against the DBE on 18 November 2024 following a finding from an assessment of how the department processes the personal information of learners who sit for matriculation exams.

The department said that the court further held that the established method of publishing NSC results does not constitute the processing of personal information as defined in the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). 

“As such, allegations of infringement of POPIA fall away,” it said.

In addition, the court upheld the department’s appeal, setting aside both the enforcement and infringement notices that had previously been issued. 

“Collectively, these determinations affirm the legality of the department’s long-standing dissemination practices and remove any residual ambiguity surrounding the continued publication of NSC results.

“The department welcomes this clarity, which reinforces a results-access system that has, for decades, provided candidates, families, and post-school institutions with equitable and reliable means of obtaining examination outcomes,” said the department.

The department further reiterated its confidence in the Information Regulator and acknowledges its essential role in safeguarding personal information across the Republic.

The DBE remains committed to working collaboratively with the Regulator to uphold learners’ rights and strengthen digital safety in alignment with POPIA.

Meanwhile, the Information Regulator is studying the court decision.
READ | Regulator studying court decision on publication of matric results

In its statement on Friday, the regulator noted the decision by the full bench. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

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Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has expressed satisfaction with progress made on Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), with 48% of construction completed on the Polihali Transfer Tunnel.

This, whilst also stressing the urgency of meeting the 2028/2029 completion deadline for Phase II of the project and warning that no further extensions will be granted. 

Accompanied by Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Seiso Mohai, Majodina led a South African delegation on an oversight visit to Lesotho on Sunday. The delegation met Lesotho’s Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko, to assess progress on the multibillion-rand project.

The visit follows Majodina’s undertaking in August 2025, to return to Lesotho to monitor and review implementation of the project.

The Minister’s programme on Sunday started with a briefing on project progress, including the resettlement of 24 households which were moved to make way for the dam construction. About 300 households were relocated, with construction of 105 replacement houses currently under way.

Social and environmental impacts

Majodina also received reports on the project’s social and environmental impacts, which include improved road access, better access to health and education facilities, and the provision of electricity.

The project has so far created about 16 000 job opportunities, including business development and skills transfer initiatives. Its broader objectives include strengthening climate resilience, improving food and nutrition security, promoting economic diversification, enhancing integration of farm-based initiatives, and building trust and collaboration among stakeholders.

On women’s empowerment, 77 women from four local councils within the project area have benefited from training programmes, including detergent and cosmetics manufacturing.

During the visit, the delegation toured several construction sites, including the 165m high Concrete Faced Rockfill Dam at Polihali, located downstream of the confluence of the Khubelu and Senqu-Orange rivers.

Chief Resident Engineer Ivaho Vanzaghi reported that concrete placement has reached over 60 metres from the riverbed, with about 100 metres remaining.

Majodina also visited the approximately 38km long concrete-lined gravity tunnel linking the Polihali and Katse reservoirs, where she inspected construction progress underground.

Addressing the media at the Sengqu Bridge construction site, an 825-metre-long structure, Majodina said she was encouraged by the pace of development and confirmed that South Africa is preparing to receive water once the project is completed.

“I am very satisfied with the progress. While relocation has taken longer than expected, there is a plan in place. We are also pleased that 92 professionals have been developed through this project, including women, and that 16 000 jobs have been created. That is quite significant.

“We cannot allow further delays. We are here to ensure accountability because South Africans want to know what is happening, and Basotho also want to know what is happening,” the Minister said.

She urged that the communities living near the dam should also be considered for access to water provision.

Lesotho’s Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko, commended Majodina for honouring her commitment to return for an oversight visit.

“She is a woman of her word. Each time she visits, there is visible progress because stakeholders understand that at the highest level of government, we want this project to succeed efficiently,” Moleko said.

He described the LHWP as one of Africa’s largest infrastructure projects, noting its potential to support hydropower development and boost tourism in Lesotho.

Long-standing cooperation between SA and Lesotho

Mohai commended the Ministers from both countries for providing strong leadership on the project, noting that its scale requires close cooperation between the two countries and high-level engineering expertise.

Mohai said the project demonstrates long-standing cooperation between South Africa and Lesotho, particularly in the democratic era, to advance sustainability and economic growth.

He said the project ensures that communities can enjoy access to water, which is a fundamental right, sustains life, and improves health outcomes.

“It is fascinating to be here in the Kingdom of Lesotho and witness that Lesotho will continue to provide this important resource to many nations in the continent for many centuries. We really appreciate their generosity and are committed to ensure that we share economic spinoffs as countries, as water is an important ingredient to stimulate economic activity,” Mohai said.

Majodina is on Monday expected to visit the Katse Dam. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has stressed the urgency of meeting the 2028/2029 completion deadline for Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), warning that no further extensions will be granted.

While acknowledging progress made on the project, Majodina said delays could not be tolerated, particularly given that the project had already been delayed by nine years.

“If you are running behind schedule, you must have a clear turnaround plan on how and when you are going to catch up, because we cannot afford to delay this project any further. The taste is in the eating of the pudding,” Majodina said.

Majodina was speaking to stakeholders on Sunday during the first day of her oversight visit to the project, where she received a progress briefing on Phase II implementation. The visit follows her commitment made in August 2025 to return to Lesotho to monitor and review progress.

During presentations, the Minister was briefed on resettlement linked to the dam construction, including the relocation of 24 households to date. She was also informed that approximately 300 households are affected by the project, with construction of 105 replacement houses currently under way.

Majodina expressed concern over the slow pace of relocations and questioned the underlying causes.

“Is it because you are slow, or is it resistance from the community? Why such a low number?” she asked.

She also raised concerns about the criteria guiding relocation decisions, noting reports of requests for relocation beyond Lesotho’s borders.

“Is there no framework to say you can only be relocated up to this far? I’m asking this because I’ve received a lot of petitions where people want to be relocated from here to Ladybrand [Free State]. There’s nothing in the Treaty that says across the borders, and that must be explained thoroughly. You must act within the Treaty,” Majodina said.

The Minister further called for greater transparency regarding expenditure on infrastructure development, particularly road construction.

“How many feeder roads and how many kilometres have been built? You’ve mentioned schools, clinics and hospitals that have been built, but there’s no timeframe,” she said.

To date, R21 billion has been spent on the R53 billion project, which involves the construction of dams and a network of tunnels to transfer water from the Orange–Senqu River in the Lesotho highlands to South Africa, while also supporting hydro-electric power generation in Lesotho.

The water transfer component of Phase II includes a 165-metre-high concrete faced rockfill dam at Polihali, downstream of the confluence of the Khubelu and Senqu-Orange rivers, as well as a 38-kilometre concrete lined gravity tunnel linking the Polihali and Katse reservoirs.

Once completed, Phase II will increase water transfers from Lesotho to South Africa by an additional 490 million cubic metres per year, raising total deliveries from 780 million cubic metres to 1.26 billion cubic metres annually through the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS). – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Government of the Republic of South Africa has extended its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the people and Government of the Commonwealth of Australia following the tragic terrorist attacks in Sydney.

According to media reports, 11 people were shot at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday, with the attack designated as a “terror incident” targeting the Australian Jewish community.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected, especially the families and friends of the victims. We condemn this senseless violence, which appears to have targeted the Jewish faithful while they were lighting candles for Hanukkah at Bondi Beach. 

“There is no justification for terrorism or attacks on any group based on faith or identity. South Africa stands in solidarity with Australia during this period of mourning and grief,” the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation said on Sunday. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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