Category: South Africa Government

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Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli to participate in the Youth Symposium in Scenery Park, East London

Source: President of South Africa –

The Office of the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, in partnership with the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, invites members of the media to attend and cover the Youth Symposium taking place from 13 to 15 June 2025 at St Peter’s Methodist Church in Scenery Park, East London.

As part of Youth Month commemorations, the symposium seeks to inspire, educate, and empower young people through access to information, support services, and opportunities in education, career development, and community leadership. The Deputy Minister will engage directly with youth, stakeholders, and institutions on programmes supporting youth empowerment.

Confirmed exhibitors and participants include:
The Eastern Cape Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, NSFAS, Department of Labour, Department of Home Affairs, Walter Sisulu University, TVET colleges, Border Management Authority, SANCA, Masithethe Social Workers, NPA, BCMM Fire and Disaster Services, Environmental Health, the Human Rights and Missing Persons Unit, and more.

Local high schools including Uviwe Senior Secondary School, Lumko Senior Secondary School, and Greenpoint High School will also be participating.

Event Details:
Date: Friday, 13 June 2025
Time: 10h00 – 14h00
Venue: St Peter’s Methodist Church, Scenery Park, East London

Members of the media are invited to cover this important Youth Month event and engage with government and partner institutions supporting youth development and service delivery.

RSVP: Mandisa Mbele, Email: MandisaM@Presidency.gov.za, Mobile: 082 580 2213

Media enquiries: Mandisa Mbele, MandisaM@Presidency.gov.za / 082 580 2213

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria 

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Mashatile’s office rebuffs claims of misuse of State funds for ’extravagant’ overseas trips

Source: South Africa News Agency

Mashatile’s office rebuffs claims of misuse of State funds for ’extravagant’ overseas trips

The Office of the Deputy President has released a statement denying allegations of misusing State funds related to Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s international travel. 

This statement follows extensive media coverage from various news outlets and public speculation on the matter. 

“Categorically, the Office and the Deputy President have not, as seems to be suggested, misused State funds or been extravagant in financing the costs of the Deputy President’s international travel,” the statement read on Tuesday evening. 

According to the Presidency, the matter was first raised after a written parliamentary inquiry from Action SA, which prompted detailed disclosures regarding travel expenses.

“In light of such an expected phenomenon, the Deputy President replied to the question in full and also provided specific details, which include correct figures and breakdown of individual costs by members of the delegation supporting the Deputy President.” 

The Deputy President’s Office has stressed that all international trips undertaken are in his official capacity, representing the South African government, as directed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

“Moreover, the majority of these strategic international visits are aimed at strengthening existing bilateral, political, economic and diplomatic relations between South Africa and visited countries.” 

Mashatile has engaged in several significant international working visits since taking office on 3 July 2024, including trips to Ireland, the United Kingdom and Japan, with further planned visits to France. 

The Office has provided a comprehensive breakdown of the expenses associated with these trips, stressing that many figures circulated in the media are inflated. 

News24 recently reported that the Deputy President’s recent trip to Japan in March cost R2.3 million, with R900 000 covering accommodation for him and his wife.

However, the Presidency stated that the Japan visit was particularly highlighted for its strategic relevance, marking the first high-level engagement between South Africa and Japan in a decade, coinciding with the 115th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

During the Japan working visit, the country’s second-in-command was accompanied by various Ministers. 

The Presidency believes that the visit was advantageous for South Africa’s African Agenda, especially considering the current overlap of South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) chairship and Japan’s upcoming hosting of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in August.

“This presents a unique opportunity for South Africa to communicate its own and the continent’s position and priorities to Japan, and the expected support and role that Japan could play in this regard.”

In addition, the Deputy President’s Office stated that the claims of exorbitant costs for certain officials have been disputed, and that the actual expenditure is significantly lower.

“Regrettably, some of the figures presented by the media are significantly blown out of proportion and do not accurately reflect the cost of the trips. For example, one media liaison officer, referred to by TimesLive as the ‘most expensive supporting official’, is said to have cost R580 582 for Japan alone, when in fact, the total cost for that official is less than R66 000, including flights and accommodation.” 

The Office has reassured the public that the Deputy President’s travels are conducted with fiscal responsibility and in alignment with South Africa’s commitment to global relations and investment.

“In terms of the travel policy in the Presidential Handbook, transport for the President and Deputy President during travel outside South Africa is the responsibility and for the account of the State.” 

In addition, the Office mentioned that the financial responsibilities for the visits, which include travel, accommodation, and other miscellaneous expenses, are typically shared between the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and other participating departments. 

“In all these visits, the Office of the Deputy President has insisted on the most cost-effective provisions for the Deputy President and his delegations and has therefore not misused or extravagantly used State funds, as alluded.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

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Significant progress in Eastern Cape power restoration

Source: South Africa News Agency

Significant progress has been made in restoring electricity supply to areas affected by severe weather conditions in the Eastern Cape over the past 48 hours.

Gale force winds, heavy snowfall, and damaging gusts have left thousands in the province without power earlier this week.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday, Eskom Eastern Cape Distribution, electricity had been restored to approximately 136 000 customers, marking a substantial improvement from 300 000 customers that were without power as of Tuesday morning.

“Some of the customers brough back online include over 50 000 in Umzimvubu and Elundini Local Municipalities, 15 000 within Port St Johns Local Municipality, and 20 000 customers in Tsolo within King Mhlontlo Local Municipality. Electricity to all these customers was restored yesterday evening [Tuesday].

“Eskom teams have resumed this morning to continue with the restoration efforts to the outstanding 164 000 customers in areas that include Qumbu, Matatiele, Mthatha, Ntabankulu, Bizana, Mqanduli, and Willowvalley,” Eskom said.

The entity has urged the remaining customers to be patient and to continue treating all electricity appliances as live during this period.

“As the weather is starting to clear, we trust that there will be access to some of the sites to speed up electricity supply restoration.”

Eskom has also urged affected customers to remain patient and treat all electrical appliances as live for safety reasons.

Customers are reminded to use the available platforms to report supply issues including: 
•    Alfred the Chatbot by connecting to https://alfred.eskom.co.za/chatroom/. 
•    USSD string: Dial *120*37566# on any mobile phones.
•    MyEskom Customer App: Available on Google Play Store for Android devices and iPhone App Store for iPhone.

“Customers now have the option of contacting Eskom directly via WhatsApp on 08600 37566 to log a fault or use email: EasternCape@Eskom.co.za,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Deputy President Mashatile to respond to Oral Questions in the National Assembly

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Thursday, 12 June 2025, respond to Questions for Oral Reply in the National Assembly, on wide-ranging issues related to agricultural support, addressing water shortages in the country and intensified efforts in the country’s comprehensive HIV and AIDS response.

As Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Agriculture and Land Reform, the Deputy President will apprise Members of Parliament on Government efforts towards improving access to funding and resource support for small-scale and smallholder farmers, as well as supporting infrastructure development in the rural areas.

Following the withdrawal of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding by the United States government, the Deputy President will reassure the members that Government has the capacity to fund its HIV/AIDS programme and the withdrawal will not have a dire impact in the purchasing and the distribution of the anti-retrovirals.

As the Chairperson of the Water Task Team, the Deputy President will emphasise the need to enhance municipal service management and financial stability in the water sector to address water shortages in the country.

In light of the persistent and evolving threat posed by gang-related violence in both urban and peri-urban areas, the Deputy President will brief Parliament on the comprehensive strategy the Justice, Crime-Prevention and Security Cabinet Committee has implemented to dismantle organised criminal networks. 

The Deputy President will further reiterate South Africa’s commitment to the rule of law, which is a cornerstone of South Africa’s democratic constitutional order.

Details of the National Assembly sitting are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 12 June 2025
Time: 14h00
Venue: Good Hope Chambers, Parliament, Cape Town

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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SIU freeze immovable property in the Zandrivierspoort farm

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a preservation order from the Special Tribunal to freeze the immovable property at Portion 15 of the Farm Zandrivierspoort in Limpopo. 

“This action is part of an investigation into the misappropriation of funds from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), which were intended for the construction of old age homes,” the Special Investigating Unit said in a statement.

The SIU’s probe into NLC-funded projects uncovered a sophisticated scheme involving the hijacking of legitimate non-profit organisations (NPOs), falsified grant applications, and the diversion of funds to private entities and individuals. 

The investigation focused on three NPOs, Matieni Community Centre, Lethabong Old Age Home and War Against Rape and Abuse (WAR RNA), which together received more than R66 million under false pretences.

“The SIU’s investigation revealed that Matieni Community Centre, a defunct NPO, was fraudulently revived to apply for NLC funding. 

“The original members were unaware of the application and the individuals listed on the NLC application were not legitimate members,” the SIU said.

Lethabong Old Age Home and WAR RNA similarly had their identities misused, with falsified documents and unauthorised individuals submitting applications. Matieni received R23 million from the NLC, of which:

  • R5.975 million was transferred to the Mbidzo Development Programme, which was linked to Collin Tshisimba, who has been fingered in other NLC investigations.
  • R6.2 million was paid to Wa Rothe Construction, and Lethabong received R20 million, with R15 million diverted to Mbidzo’s bank account.
  • WAR RNA received R20 million, with R5 million transferred to Mbidzo.

Mbidzo, controlled by Tshisimba, channelled funds to attorneys for the purchase of the Louis Trichardt Farm, Limpopo, registered under Promise Kharivhe,  Tshisimba’s life partner.

The order of the Special Tribunal is part of implementing 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 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

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Eastern Cape’s N2 to close for blasting

Source: South Africa News Agency

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) has advised road users that blasting is scheduled to take place on the N2 national road between KwaBhaca and EmaXesibeni in the Eastern Cape.

The blasting will take place on Friday, 13 June 2025, at 12pm, approximately 8.8 kilometres (km) from KwaBhaca when travelling towards EmaXesibeni.

The road will be closed during the blasting activities for a maximum of 30 minutes.

“Motorists are asked to plan their trips accordingly, consider alternative routes and to use caution when making use of the road,” SANRAL said.

Motorists travelling from Kokstad towards Mthatha may consider the following alternative routes: 

  • Go onto the R56 route and travel past Matatiele and then past Tlokoeng until Nqanqarhu, then take the R396 towards Tsolo until you join the N2, and then proceed to Mthatha.
  • Stay on the N2 until Pakade (18km out of Kokstad), then turn left onto the R394 and join the R61 at Magusheni. Slip right onto the R61 towards Flagstaff, Lusikisiki and Port St Johns and then rejoin the N2 in Mthatha. Similarly, motorists travelling from Mthatha towards Kokstad may consider using the same routes.
  • The shortest alternative route is 69 kilometres longer and may add approximately 50 minutes to your trip between Mthatha and Kokstad.

SANRAL has apologised for any inconvenience caused. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa to address the Africa Green Hydrogen Summit

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Thursday 12 June 2025, address the inaugural Africa Green Hydrogen Summit. 

The two days Summit takes place in Cape Town from 12 to 13 June 2025, under the theme, “Unlocking Africa’s Green Hydrogen Potential for Sustainable Growth”.

This innovative Summit convene African energy ministers, policy makers, investors, developers, technology partners, and research institutions to shape the continent’s emerging green hydrogen sector. 

It is envisaged that the Summit discussions will focus on market approaches, investment opportunities, technology deployment, and Africa’s position in the global green hydrogen value chain.

The Africa Green Hydrogen Summit 2025 arrives at a pivotal moment for the continent’s clean energy transition.

The Africa Green Hydrogen Summit address will take place as follows:
Date: 12 June 2025
Venue: Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town
Time: 10h00

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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SA creative sector generates revenue and job opportunities

Source: South Africa News Agency

SA creative sector generates revenue and job opportunities

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong says the South African creative industry is a significant one that generates considerable revenue and provides employment to many.

“The industry plays a vital role in the economy by contributing towards knowledge attainment, nation-building and cultural preservation,” Morolong said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the book launch of Business by Grace, written by Zibusiso Mkhwanazi, Morolong said by publishing local literature and promoting cultural heritage, the sector contributes to the preservation and development of the South African culture of reading and writing.

The book by Mkhwanazi – a South African advertising guru and entrepreneur who rose from humble beginnings – is described as “not just a story of business success”. The Mkhwanazi Foundation says Business by Grace shows readers how to embrace lessons that come from building businesses in the face of hardship, and provides practical insights on turning vision into value.

Morolong said the creative industry, including publishing and print media, is an important source of revenue and employment in South Africa.

“The industry also acts as the central core of an entire network of related individuals and industries, such as paper manufacturers, educational institutions, ink producers, authors, printers, designers, book binders, illustrators, booksellers, distributors and CD manufacturers.

“The importance of the creative industry in this new environment is greatly increased… as it is a source of information and knowledge, and a vehicle for political, social and cultural expression.”

Morolong identified the sector as one that can and ought to help South Africans to overcome the many persistent challenges that confront society and the economy.

“Our expectations of this sector are onerous. However, the history we are making is centred on growing the sector in the same way we have grown other sectors of our economy through inclusion, empowerment and unleashing the energies and talents of South Africans.”

Morolong said a great deal has also been written to capture the defining features of post-apartheid South Africa, and the necessarily high cost of democratic transformation.

“Demographic conditions such as high unemployment rates, the youthfulness of the population, uneven access to basic services, such as water and electricity, form part of the challenges that continue to confront the current government.

“The process of change is by necessity also related to new policies that aim to facilitate comprehensive economic reforms, encapsulated in the many government policy frameworks and more recently in the National Development Plan Vision 2030.

“These reforms have in general, been focused in two directions. In the first place, reforms are aimed at addressing the immense disparities in wealth and status in South African society and provide improved access to opportunities for employment and benefits to those negatively affected by apartheid policies,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Tzaneen dam wall project revised completion for 2026

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has announced a revised completion date for the raising of Tzaneen Dam Wall project, which was initially scheduled for March 2025.

In a statement on Wednesday, the department announced that the new target for the project completion is March 2026.

The Tzaneen Dam Wall Raising project, which is part of the Groot Letaba River Water Augmentation Project (GLeWaP), was resumed on 06 June 2023.

The project includes raising the dam wall by 3 metres, which will significantly increase the dam’s storage capacity to meet the growing water demands and improve water security in the Limpopo Province.

Once completed, the additional water supply is expected to benefit households, agricultural and industrial sectors the region.

According to the department, the project is currently 46% complete.

Anthony Bhasopo from the department’s Water Resource Infrastructure Development unit, expressed satisfaction with the progress and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to deliver the project within the revised timeframe.

While acknowledging some unforeseen incidents that hampered with progress to complete the project within the stipulated timeline, Bhasopo said the department has made strides since the beginning of the project in 2023.

“We have progressed well and achieved significant milestones of the project, and we are confident that the revised timeline will be met. This project will ensure that the objective to meet the projected growing primary water requirements for the next 20 years in the region, is finally realised,” Bhasopo said.

The construction project that has been carried out includes the demolition of the upper section of the existing ogee spillway, construction of a new labyrinth spillway to increase discharge capacity, strengthening of the earthfill embankments for improved dam stability, realignment of the permanent access road downstream of the dam, and additional supporting and safety-related works.

The components that have been completed, or are in progress are as follows:
•    Temporary fencing around the site.
•    Temporary access road from Deerpark and river diversion pipeline.
•    Realignment of the permanent access road, which is 20 % complete. 
•    Embankment strengthening, which is 36% complete.
•    Tongue wall construction, which is 19 % complete.
•    Labyrinth spillway construction, which is 11% complete.

“The project enabled 241 people to be employed, which includes the main contractor and sub-contractors. Females count to 76, and the youth count to 108,” Bhasopo said.

Originally completed in 1977, the Tzaneen Dam features a mass concrete gravity spillway flanked by earthfill embankments. The existing ogee-type spillway, which is 91.44 metres long with a crest level of 723.90 metres above sea level (masl), will be replaced by a more efficient labyrinth spillway.

The non-overspill crest currently measures 1,063.5 metres at 730.60 masl, with protective interlocking concrete blocks on both the upstream and downstream embankment faces.

The dam’s current gross storage capacity is 157.3 million cubic metres (m3), and the project will increase the total storage capacity by 35.7 million m3. After the completion of the project, the new capacity will be 193 million m3. – SAnews.gov.za

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Western Cape Government condemns latest Langa shootings

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Western Cape Government (WCG) has condemned the recent Langa shootings that claimed the lives of two people and left another person injured.

Reports indicate that Monday’s fatalities are connected to the ongoing taxi violence, which is having a widespread impact across the Cape Town Metro area.

“The provincial government appeals to anyone with information to come forward and assist in ensuring those responsible are arrested,” the statement read. 

Meanwhile, the Western Cape MEC for Mobility, Isaac Sileku, expressed has since deep concern about the incident. 
“More lives have been lost to criminality. We cannot allow this to continue. These killings are robbing families of loved ones and placing the entire mini-bus taxi industry, as well as the communities it serves, under threat,” he said. 

He has since called on all the role players to remain calm and allow the law to take its course. 

“We must never accept violence to resolve disputes. Protecting lives and ensuring safety across the public transport network remains central to our mission.”

The WCG has since stated that the response to this ongoing violence is coordinated across departments.

MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has also condemned the killings while also urging all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue. 

“Violence is not the answer. We will not tolerate these acts of violence. I urge the SAPS [South African Police Service] to deal decisively with those responsible for this violence,” Marais said.

In addition, the MEC confirmed that SAPS investigations are ongoing and that law enforcement presence in affected areas has been intensified. 

Additional police resources, including the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement and Provincial Traffic, have also been deployed. 
The provincial government announced that high-density patrols are being conducted along key routes between Somerset West and Mfuleni to stabilise the situation and prevent any further violence.

In addition, an urgent Mini-Bus Task Team meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, 12 June 2025, to bring together key stakeholders to find solutions through dialogue and coordinated action.

The Department of Mobility, in close collaboration with safety and law enforcement agencies, said it remains focused on fostering peaceful resolutions and ensuring that public transport remains safe, reliable, and dignified for all who depend on it.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by these acts of violence. The Western Cape Government stands united in its efforts to restore peace and safeguard every commuter, operator, and transport worker in our province.” – SAnews.gov.za