Category: South Africa Government

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President Ramaphosa wishes the Jewish Community Shanah Tova

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his warm compliments to South Africa’s Jewish community for the celebration of Rosh Hashanah (New Year).

President Ramaphosa said: “I wish our Jewish community Shanah Tova as you spend this time in prayer for forgiveness and in celebration of a fresh start in all areas of life.

“We are blessed as a nation that Rosh Hashanah 2025 takes place in the week in which we observe Heritage Day, as the Jewish community and Judaism are an integral and valued part of our cultural and religious diversity.

“This time of prayer is a time for reflection on suffering and conflict unfolding in different parts of the world, and for recommitting ourselves to tolerance, peace and justice.

“May the year ahead be filled with good health, safety and prosperity.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Deputy President to lead 2025 Heritage Day celebrations 

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President to lead 2025 Heritage Day celebrations 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, acting as the President, will officiate the 2025 Heritage Day celebrations at Bridgeton Sport Grounds in the Oudtshoorn Local Municipality, Western Cape.

Taking place on Wednesday, 24 September 2025, the event is organised in collaboration with the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the Western Cape Provincial Government.

According to the Presidency, this year’s Heritage Month is celebrated with the theme: “Re-imagine Our Heritage Institutions for a New Era.”

This year’s Heritage Day will focus on the importance of leveraging heritage as a foundation for building a dynamic, socially responsive, technologically innovative and economically inclusive future.

The celebrations on Wednesday are expected to focus on how society, through culture, continues to evolve in response to social, economic, and technological challenges.

“It will also focus on museums as custodians of memory and knowledge, and as institutions that are uniquely positioned to lead the shift. 

“Museums are at the heart of transformation and are part of heritage sites that are traditionally tasked with the collection, preservation, and exhibition of cultural artefacts,” the advisory read. 

Over the years, the Presidency stated that there has been a need for museums to urgently reposition themselves as spaces of relevance, innovation, and community engagement. 

“South Africa’s heritage sector has long been a cornerstone of our national identity, collective memory and reconciliation. So, our museums as cultural and heritage institutions play a vital role in healing communities and preventing the recurrence of past injustices,” said the Deputy President. 

He added that there was a growing need to re-evaluate how heritage is understood and accessed by the citizens, in line with the country’s evolving social, economic and technological challenges.

“Thus, the commemoration of Heritage Month this year provides us with a timely opportunity to reflect on this shift and explore how memory can be transformed into momentum by using heritage as a tool for innovation, job creation, social cohesion, as well as nation-building,” Deputy President Mashatile added. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Premier reaffirms commitment to tackle crime

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 22, 2025

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has reaffirmed government’s commitment to collaborating closely with community volunteers and law enforcement stakeholders in the fight against crime.

Ntuli engaged the Provincial Executive for Community Safety Structures, which brings together several key formations, including the Community Police Forum (CPF), the Crime Prevention Youth Desk, the KZN Community Crime Prevention Association, and the Spiritual Crime Prevention Initiative.

These structures play a vital role in crime prevention at the community level by mobilising residents, strengthening relationships with police, and providing direct support in improving safety.
During a recent meeting, representatives outlined their ongoing work in reducing crime and promoting vigilance.

They also highlighted the challenges they face in fulfilling their responsibilities, including resource constraints, limited training opportunities, and the need for stronger integration with law enforcement agencies.

Ntuli commended volunteers for their dedication, emphasising that safety requires a collective effort.
He reaffirmed the provincial government’s resolve to strengthen working relations with law enforcement, government entities, and grassroots crime-fighting initiatives.

“The fight against crime cannot be won by the police alone. It requires a whole-of-society approach where government, communities, and civil structures stand together. These community safety structures are the backbone of our collective response.”

The Premier pledged continued provincial support to ensure that community policing forums and related structures are better resourced, trained, and empowered to operate effectively.

He stressed that building safe communities is central to KwaZulu-Natal’s broader development agenda, as it creates the foundation for investment, growth, and social stability.

The engagement forms part of the province’s comprehensive crime prevention strategy, which prioritises partnerships, visibility, and proactive interventions to create safer communities for all. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Nzimande highlights role of science in society at G20 roundtable

Source: Government of South Africa

Science and technology should be understood as extensions of social relations, says the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande.

The Minister was speaking at the Group of 20 (G20) Chief Science Advisors’ (CSAR) Roundtable.

The roundtable was hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s (DSTI) National Advisory Council on Innovation.

“After the attainment of democracy in our country, the preoccupation of the democratic state was the reconstruction of our society and more specifically, the building of a society that will be free of the racial, gender, class and spatial injustices of our past.

“For us, this was not merely a technocratic project. We were also guided by the understanding that the persistence of the legacies of apartheid and colonialism in the democratic era was directly connected to the fact that the apartheid government used science to justify or even enable the oppression of the black majority.”

He stated that the world is witnessing a genocide in Gaza, which is being facilitated by technologies like artificial intelligence.

“It is for this reason that we often make the point that science or technology are not inherently neutral or democratic and that they must be understood as extensions of social relations.

“Therefore, science advice must not just be measured by whether it adheres to the rigour of scientific methodology, but also as to whether scientific advice adheres to the highest moral and ethical standards.”

Nzimande also used the occasion to affirm South Africa’s commitment to science-driven public policy.

“In addition to developing coherent science policies and establishing science policy advisory bodies, such as the National Advisory Council on Innovation, as the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, we also realise that if the citizens are to value science and scientific advice, governments must lead in embracing science and, in particular, evidence-based policy making.”

He stated that the department recently adopted a new mantra: “Placing Science, Technology, and Innovation at the Centre of Government, Education, Society, and Industry.”

“The adoption of this mantra reflects our commitment to placing science, technology and innovation at the centre of national development with a view to creating a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future.”

The G20 CSAR was first convened during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, where a distinct role for its existence was identified in relation to G20 STI (science, technology and innovation) policy advice and its relevance for national and international decision-making processes.

The CSAR is an integral part of the G20 STI track, and this year focuses on equity-based STI for inclusive human development and global sustainability.

As part of the continuation of the DSTI’s G20 programme, the Minister is participating in the meeting of the Intergovernmental Council of the Management of Social Transformations Forum (MOST) and the MOST Forum at the CSIR International Convention Centre today.

The MOST Forum is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s global platform for solutions-oriented debate at the intersection of science, policy, and social transformation.

Nzimande will chair both meetings in his capacity as the current President of the Intergovernmental Council of the MOST Programme.

The DSTI’s G20 programme will culminate in the G20 Research and Innovation Ministerial Meeting on Tuesday, 23 September 2025, in Pretoria, at which the Tshwane Declaration, also known as the G20 Research and Innovation Ministerial Declaration, will be adopted. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Commission seeks accountability on gender equality gaps at Water department

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 22, 2025

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has called on the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to provide a clear account of progress made on its previous commitments to advancing gender equality and transformation in the workplace.

The Commission said the Department of Water and Sanitation had undertaken, during prior hearings, to implement specific measures aimed at mainstreaming gender within its programmes and addressing persistent gender and transformation gaps that disproportionately affect women and girls, particularly in the workplace and in access to services.

These commitments followed the Commission’s findings and recommendations and included promoting gender-responsive policies, implementing training, developing women for senior leadership roles, and advocating sector-wide standards, including on harassment management.

“Critical to this is sexual harassment. These commitments stem from CGE’s findings and recommendations, which will help transform the workplace, if implemented,” CGE spokesperson Javu Baloyi said.

The Commission held an accountability session with the department on Monday to:

•    Engage with DWS leadership at national and provincial levels on current compliance status with CGE recommendations.
•    Assess the progress made in policy review, implementation, and employee protection mechanisms.
•    Advocate for systemic reforms, including the establishment of sector-wide standards for harassment complaint management.
•    Promote a gender-responsive, inclusive and safe public service work environment.
•    Interrogate a specific case reported in the Western Cape, with a view to establishing accountability and redress. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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United Nations must ‘enforce international law for all’ – President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in his weekly newsletter, called on the United Nations (UN) to “actively enforce international law and human rights standards”.

This as the organisation commemorates the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter this week.

“At a time of widespread poverty and underdevelopment, when human rights are under threat worldwide and where geopolitical tensions are creating instability across the globe, advancing multilateralism is more critical than ever.

“If the global, rules-based system is to have practical meaning, the UN must exercise its leadership role of global governance. The UN must actively enforce international law and human rights standards for all, and not the select few,” he said on Monday.

The President said that the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly – to be held in New York this week – comes at a time when the global rules-based system is “profoundly fragile” with the global intergovernmental organisation under “increasing scrutiny”.

He cited increasing global conflicts, threats to global health and pandemic response due to withdrawal of global health financing and faltering global climate response as some of global challenges facing UN members.

“As the UN General Assembly convenes this week under the theme: Accelerating Global Progress Through Intergenerational Collaboration, the stakes have never been higher.

“The UN is struggling to meet its mandate as contained in the UN Charter. It continues to be hampered by competing national interests that impede collective action. There is a lack of political will among member states to address many challenges, including the chronic underfunding of peacekeeping operations,” he said.

READ | South Africa to champion UN reform agenda at UNGA-80

The President asserted that the body’s most “serious hinderance” is the “structure and operation of the UN Security Council”.

“Despite changes in global power relations over more than half a century, the decision-making architecture that has enabled the five permanent members to have veto powers, has not changed since the end of the Second World War. 

“These five permanent members effectively make decisions on behalf of more than 85% of the world’s population living in countries of the Global South. They continue to use their veto powers to effectively paralyse collective action and prevent timely responses to crises, even in the face of clear violations of international law,” President Ramaphosa said.

Furthermore, South Africa has consistently called for the reform of the council in order for it reflect changing global realities.

“The current composition of the UN Security Council and its record of decisions seriously undermine the spirit of global cooperation and weaken the UN’s commitment to neutrality and its legitimacy.

“Efforts at reform, such as proposals to expand the permanent membership of the Security Council, improving regional representation, and restricting the use of the veto, have stalled and must be reinvigorated with urgency,” he said.

As he, and the South African delegation, arrives in New York for the UNGA, the President reaffirmed South Africa’s position.

“The message South Africa takes to this year’s General Assembly is that if the organisation is to remain relevant and if the global, rules-based system is to endure, the UN must demonstrate in both word and deed that multilateralism is alive.

“Despite its many challenges, the UN remains humanity’s best chance at peace, security and sustainable development for all,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa spearheads SA’s UN General Assembly delegation

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in New York to lead South Africa’s delegation during the High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The segment, held throughout this week, coincides with the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter and is held under the theme: ‘Better together: 80 Years and more for peace, development and human rights’.

The President is accompanied by the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola; Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga; Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George; Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa; Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele.

“The President will [today]… participate in a Two-State Solution High-Level Meeting convened and co-chaired by His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron of France and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HRH, Faisal bin Al Saud.  The meeting will reaffirm international commitments to the two-state solution and seek to mobilise support for its implementation.

“In championing robust multilateralism, peaceful resolution of conflicts, and the unwavering protection of human rights for all, the President will address the General Debate on Tuesday. He will also carry a message from the Global South, amplified by South Africa’s current role as Chair of the G20,” a statement by the Presidency on Monday read.

According to the statement, the segments provide an opportunity for President Ramaphosa to engage on issues including the genocide in Gaza, the conflicts in Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo and the war in Ukraine and “other geopolitical tensions”.

“South Africa will leverage its proven reputation as a trusted mediator to build bridges between opposing sides and advocate for dialogue over discord,” the Presidency said.

Sustainable development

On Wednesday, the President will take part in the Biennial Summit for Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy, convened and chaired by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

“The forum provides an opportunity for leaders to assess progress, and advance practical solutions to mobilise global resources and strengthen global economic governance in support of the UN 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs].

“Building on its G20 mandate to shape global economic solutions, South Africa will argue forcefully for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global economy. The delegation will spotlight the disproportionate impact of current global challenges on developing nations and push for enhanced international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” the Presidency added.

The President will also convene a high-level meeting on Recommitting to Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health and Rights in his capacity as Chair of the Global Leaders Network on Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health.

“The meeting will be co-chaired by His Excellency Boko Duma of the Republic of Botswana and Rt. Hon. Ms Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Board Chair of Partnerships for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH).

“The High-Level meeting presents a powerful opportunity for global advocacy, agenda setting, and cross-sectoral engagement at the highest level of Heads of State and Government to elevate women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health as a foundation for peace, security, and sustainable developments,” the statement read.

Furthermore, President Ramaphosa will participate in a Special High-level Event on Climate Action.

“[The event will] be convened and co-chaired by Secretary General Guterres and His Excellency President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

“This event brings together Heads of State and Government, business and civil society, to drive action across mitigation, adaptation, finances and information integrity and other critical matters, in line with Paris Agreement and COP30 priorities,” the Presidency said.

Trade and foreign relations

To boost South Africa’s economic growth drive, the President will engage the private sector.

“In reaffirming South Africa’s commitment as strategic economic partner focusing on trade relations, investment, and collaboration, the President will on the margins of UNGA engage with the private sector during the Trade and Investment Executive Dialogue hosted by the (dtic) in collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“The President will also meet with several leading US Companies as part of the investment drive. The United States has long been a strategic partner for South Africa, ranking among country’s top five export destinations accounting for 7.5% of our global exports. The US also features as one the country’s largest sources of foreign direct investment,” the Presidency statement read.

Furthermore, President Ramaphosa will lead the High-Level opening segment of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

“G20 plays a pivotal role in contributing to UN efforts aimed at creating an economically prosperous world that contributes towards lasting global peace.

“President will also hold bilateral talks with Heads of State and Government attending the UNGA High-Level week,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA celebrates Tourism Month to showcase heritage, wildlife, and economic benefits!

Source: Government of South Africa

By Andrea Naicker

September is Tourism Month, and it’s a great time to celebrate the joy and power of travelling the length and breadth of our beautiful country. Tourism opens the door to new cultures, people and experiences, allowing us to see the world from a different perspective.

World Tourism Day, observed on 27th September, highlights the sector’s immense impact on our societies, environments, and economies. Coinciding with this commemorative event, South Africa celebrates Tourism Month which is an ideal time to travel as spring creates a warmer and more inviting environment.

Tourism Month is also observed alongside Heritage Month. This dual celebration provides an opportunity to tell the South African story and highlight our rich history, diverse cultures, and vibrant traditions.

South Africa’s tourism sector is rich in history, natural beauty, and a wealth of indigenous species. From the ancient origins of the Cradle of Humankind, Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape and the Mapungubwe Heritage Site to the powerful stories of struggle at Robben Island and the Hector Pieterson Memorial, our heritage sites tell a story of resilience and transformation.

Our nation is also a delightful destination du e to its world-class wine routes and iconic wildlife, including the Big Five and the Little Five which are the Elephant Shrew, Antlion, Rhino Beetle, Leopard Tortoise, and Buffalo Weaver. These attractions lure local and international travellers. Between January and June this year, South Africa welcomed over five million visitors, reflecting a significant increase in both domestic and international travel.

Tourism is a powerful engine for our economy. It constitutes a significant portion of our Gross Domestic Product and boosts local economies by creating vast opportunities for vendors, tour guides, shuttle drivers, guesthouses, and travel agencies. The sector supports livelihoods and helps uplift our national economy.

It is therefore imperative that we invest in developing this sector and create further opportunities for growth. Programs like the Tourism Monitors Programme target unemployed youth (ages 18-35) with a passion for tourism, providing them with a stipend, training, and practical experience. This programme has uplifted the lives of over 6000 young people who have benefitted from it since the programme’s inception in 2017 and has significantly improved safety and security at tourist sites.

Government remains committed to empowering people in tourism through training opportunities and financial assistance for black owned enterprises. Projects such as the Tourism Equity Fund and the Tourism Transformation Fund aims to drive transformation, equity and growth in the sector.  

Our roadmap for the industry is outlined in the Tourism Sector Masterplan, which aligns with our National Development Plan (NDP) goals and provides strategic interventions to strengthen and sustain the sector.

Further discussions on developing South African Tourism are in progress among members of the G20 Tourism working group. Furthermore, interventions are underway to enrich the travel experience of international delegates and visitors who will attend the G20 summit in November this year.

As we prepare to host nations, all South Africans have a part to play. Let’s take care of our environment and keep our cities clean and free from pollution, litter and environmental harm.

Citizens are also encouraged to explore our beautiful country.  South African National Parks Week, from 22 to 26 September 2025, offers free entry to selected national parks.

Our welcoming nature and spirit of Ubuntu is one of our greatest attractions, ensuring visitors keep coming back for more. This month let’s continue to celebrate our local attractions, diverse culture, and social fabric, and share our proudly South African stories as we work toward a tourism sector that captures the hearts of nations.

* Andrea Naicker is an Assistant Director at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)

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Mashatile reaffirms strength of Government of National Unity

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 22, 2025

Deputy President Paul Mashatile says the recent meeting of the Government of National Unity (GNU) Clearing House Mechanism demonstrates that the GNU is still intact, and committed to the shared goals and objectives of all represented parties. 

These goals include, but are not limited to, promoting inclusive growth, creating jobs, reducing poverty, and addressing the high unemployment rate.

Mashatile chaired the virtual meeting of the GNU Clearing House Mechanism on Friday, 19 September 2025.

In 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the creation of a GNU Clearing House Mechanism to address policy disagreements within the 10-member GNU, appointing Deputy President Mashatile to lead the initiative.

The meeting reviewed the written submissions on the draft terms of reference from the Good Party, Al Jama-Ah, and Democratic Alliance. 

This review was in accordance with the resolution made during the Clearing House meeting in March 2025.

“The Deputy President raised his concern about the time that the Clearing House has taken to finalise the matter,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

The Deputy President has outlined a plan to expedite the process, including forming a task team to review the current draft terms of reference, to report back to the Clearing House in two weeks.

The task team will be led by Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel, and will include Thomas Walters from the Democratic Alliance, Makashule Gana from Rise Mzansi, and Apa Pooe from the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister Chikunga to present SA’s Beijing Platform for Action at UNGA80

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, will present South Africa’s Beijing Platform for Action during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, USA.

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted by 189 governments at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, remains the most comprehensive global framework for advancing women’s rights and gender equality.

According to the department, Chikunga is expected to deliver a message of urgency, hope, and possibility in advancing the Beijing+30 Action Agenda, while emphasising the centrality of gender equality in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Despite considerable strides towards achieving equality, South Africa emerges as a beacon of hope towards achieving gender equality, according to the Global Gender Gap Report released by the World Economic Forum,” the department said in a statement on Sunday.

South Africa, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, will participate in UNGA80 under the theme “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights.” The session will take place from 23–29 September 2025.

South Africa will use this platform to reinforce her commitment to global multilateralism, human rights for all, sustainable development as a collective responsibility, while advocating for peaceful resolution of conflicts with special emphasis on the conflicts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Sudans, and Palestine.

South Africa will also use the Assembly to promote its G20 Presidency agenda.

The President is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several heads of state and engage with CEOs of major international companies.

On Monday, the President will participate in a High-Level Meeting on the Two-State Solution, convened and co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Arabia Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

The meeting aims to reaffirm international commitments to the two-state solution and mobilise support for its implementation. – SAnews.gov.za