Category: South Africa Government

President Cyril Ramaphosa says he is pleased with Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s recovery following a minor surgical procedure. 

According to a Presidency statement, the President visited the Deputy President on Tuesday afternoon and was assured he will soon be back at work. 

Mashatile was appointed as the Deputy President on 6 March 2023. As the Deputy President of South Africa, he has been delegated responsibilities as follows:

• Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
• Leading Government effort to fast-track land reform and the coordination of Government programmes to accelerate land reform and agricultural support.
• Implement Rapid Response interventions on service delivery and trouble-shooting in service delivery hotspots.
• Assisting the President in the roll-out of the District Development Model through effective coordination of the different spheres of government which will improve the functioning of municipalities and address community concerns.
• Leading the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and the country’s integrated response to the challenges of HIV and AIDS.
• Special Envoy on South Sudan and leading peace missions on the continent as required.
• Leading the National Human Resource Development Council and fostering collaboration between government and social partners towards addressing the shortage of skills in critical sectors of the economy.
• Promoting Social Cohesion Initiatives with a particular focus on Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, as well as Military Veterans.
• Deputy President Paul Mashatile also chairs the following Cabinet Committees: Governance, State Capacity and Institutional Development and Justice, Crime Prevention and Security.

– SAnews.gov.za

 

0

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially opened the new King Nyabela Hospital – fulfilling government’s commitment to universal health coverage for all.

With some 87% of people completely reliant on public healthcare in Mpumalanga, the 220-bed hospital goes a long way in serving the 240 000 people living in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality in Mpumalanga,” said the President, at the opening on Tuesday.

“Healthcare is about giving every man, woman and child the chance to live with dignity. This is the promise of our Constitution, which declares that everyone has the right of access to health care services and that the state must take reasonable measures within available resources to achieve the realisation of this right.”

He said the opening of the district hospital demonstrated government’s commitment to giving effect to this constitutional right.

The new facility includes surgical, medical, paediatric, antenatal, postnatal, neonatal and high-care wards as well as world-class accident and emergency departments and three operating theatres.

For outpatients, services also include a pharmacy, TB and HIV management, dentistry and eye care, dietetics and nutrition services, social workers, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, medical male circumcision and mental health, among others.

President Ramaphosa described the range of services as an example of “comprehensive health care services”.

“Healthcare is not just about calling for an ambulance when we are sick; about fetching ama-pillies every month at the clinic or going to the emergency ward if there has been an accident. Comprehensive health care is about walking alongside our people through every season of their lives.

“It is about helping people to keep and stay healthy and starting to do so when they are still children. Comprehensive health care is about healing the mind as well as the body.

“Comprehensive health care is about prevention, early detection and management of all the health issues our people face,” the President stated.

National Health Insurance

Turning to the National Health Insurance, President Ramaphosa noted that at its core, the NHI is implementing the “constitutional right of access to healthcare, without this being dependent on where one lives or one’s ability to pay”.

The NHI is South Africa’s plan to ensure universal health coverage as well as a centralised, national insurance fund from which the government will buy healthcare services from healthcare providers in both public and private sectors.

“The NHI ensures that all people can access the full range of quality health services they need, where and when they need them, without experiencing financial hardship.

“For the NHI to be a success, we need a healthcare sector that is properly governed and well led. We need a skilled workforce, high standards of service delivery and uninterrupted access to the medicines that people need,” he said.

The President emphasised government’s determination to ensure that as NHI is implemented, “all hospitals and clinics that have been commissioned must be completed to budget and on time”.

The King Nyabela Hospital itself was delivered on time and on budget.

“There can be no space for corruption, fraud or waste in the procurement of health infrastructure, supplies or services. We have done much to tackle corruption in health care. Stolen funds have been recovered. Alleged perpetrators are being prosecuted.

“But we need to do more. We will end the criminal actions of those who steal from the sick and vulnerable, who endanger people’s lives,” President Ramaphosa insisted.

Turning to the healthcare workers, the President acknowledged the work they do even under challenging circumstances.

“While hospitals and clinics are built with bricks and mortar, the heartbeat of our facilities is provided by the health care providers who diligently perform their duties, sometimes under difficult circumstances.

“We salute all the healthcare workers at this facility and across our country,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

10

The South African Post Office (SAPO) has received an unqualified audit opinion from the Auditor-General for the year ended 31 March 2026.

In a post on social media platform X on Monday, SAPO said the unqualified audit opinion is a major milestone and reflects stronger governance, improved financial reporting and internal controls, and fewer audit findings.

“Governance does not wait for recovery; it is part of the recovery,” SAPO’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Fathima Gany said, adding that the post office potential partners and all stakeholders can rely on these numbers, which garner trust and accountability.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, said the audit outcome is an important milestone for the the South African Post Office. 

“Steady progress, built on stronger governance and accountability improves audit outcomes. Congratulations on achieving the first unqualified audit in six years. The focus now is on sustaining this momentum,” he said on X on Tuesday. –SAnews.gov.za

 

0

Police Deputy Minister Polly Boshielo says gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) cannot and must not be allowed to persist.

“Gender-based violence and femicide remain rampant issues that continue to plague our communities creating an environment of fear and insecurity,” Boshielo said.

Speaking in Ivory Park in Tembisa during a GBVF march earlier on Tuesday, Boshielo said the alarming rates of violence against women, children and the vulnerable are unacceptable, and it is a collective responsibility to confront and dismantle the systems that enable such atrocities.

“As a society, we must recognise that this pandemic will not simply vanish on its own, it requires a united front and decisive action against those who commit these heinous acts,” Boshielo said.

Boshielo said the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) cluster is diligently working to ensure that cases of gender-based violence are processed in a timely manner.

“This concerted effort is crucial in sending a strong message that violence against women will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will be held accountable.

“We urge all men to become active participants in the movement against gender-based violence and femicide. It is essential for men to stand in solidarity with women, advocating for a culture of respect, safety and equality.

“We continue to make clarion calls to all communities today in particular Ivory Park, Tembisa and we encourage everyone to report any form of criminality to the police, no matter how minor it may seem,” the Deputy Minister said.

Boshielo called on communities to report anything troubling to report it to their nearest police.

“If you hear rumours or plots that suggest potential harm, it is imperative to inform the police. Together, we can work towards a future where women can live without fear, where their voices are heard, and where their rights are upheld.

“Let us all unite in this critical fight against gender-based violence and femicide, ensuring that every woman feels safe and valued in our society,” Boshielo said.

The Deputy Minister said it is important to recognise that no amount of police presence will effectively reduce crime without the active involvement of the community and other stakeholders.

“We must act proactively and remaining vigilant, and to continue to foster collaboration with our community policing forums, our community in blue as well as the crime prevention wardens commonly known as “amapanyaza” we can prevent crime before it manifests,” she said.

Boshielo concluded by calling communities to pledge to be proactive, vigilant, and united in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide. – SAnews.gov.za
 

4

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has reaffirmed government’s commitment to advancing gender equality and honouring women’s legacies at the inaugural Portraits of Power exhibition, which pays tribute to Charlotte Mannya Maxeke’s enduring contribution to women’s leadership and social justice.

“In South Africa, we remain firmly committed to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women. This commitment is rooted in our Constitution and reflected in our policies, programmes and partnerships. We recognise that inclusive leadership is not optional,” the Minister said on Tuesday, in Pretoria.

The Minister was addressing the launch of the Portraits of Power Exhibition, which celebrates extraordinary women whose courage, leadership and contributions have shaped nations and inspired generations.

The International Portraits of Power exhibition is a Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute initiative presented in partnership with The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa and participating diplomatic missions.

“Portraits of Power goes beyond celebration. It is a recognition that women’s contributions transcend borders, cultures and generations. Across the globe, women are at the forefront of leadership, diplomacy, innovation and development. 

“They are shaping policies, building communities and driving progress in ways that are both transformative and enduring.

“Therefore, the Presidency will continue to support this initiative and others like it, because the story of humanity is incomplete without recognising the invaluable contributions of women across all spheres of life,” Ntshavheni said.

The Portraits of Power project forms part of a series of legacy projects commemorating the 155th birthday anniversary of Mannya-Maxeke. 

“Charlotte Mannya Maxeke was a woman of remarkable strength and enduring influence, and a trailblazer in every sense. As the first Black woman to graduate with a university degree in Southern Africa, we tend to limit her to being the first Black woman to graduate in South Africa, but she was the first Black woman to graduate with a degree in Southern Africa after obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree on 20 June 1901, from Wilberforce University in the United States of America.  Mannya-Maxeke led the path for women’s rights and gender equality,” the Minister said.

Ntshavheni pointed out that Mannya Maxeke was the only woman present when the South African Native National Congress, later known as the African National Congress, was formed in 1912.

“Mannya Maxeke decisively asserted the need for women’s representation in the corridors of power in South Africa. She went on to become the founding president of two of the most important women-led institutions on the continent. Of particular importance to us is the Bantu Women’s League, which later evolved into the ANC Women’s League in the 1940s,” the Minister said.

While the government has made strides in empowering women since South Africa attained freedom, the Minister said the journey toward full equality is not yet complete.

“There remains work to be done to ensure that women everywhere in the world have equal access to opportunities, resources, platforms for leadership and education,” the Minister said.

She emphasised the importance of inclusive leadership, saying it is essential for sustainable development, social justice and lasting peace. 

“We also recognise that achieving this vision requires collaboration. It requires governments, the private sector, civil society and the international community to work together to create environments where women can thrive, lead and succeed.

“Therefore, let this exhibition be more than a moment of admiration. Let it be a call to action. Let us commit to supporting and elevating the voices of women in all spaces.

“Let us invest in their potential and remove the barriers that hinder their progress. Let us strengthen global partnerships that promote equality, dignity and opportunity for all.

“In doing so, we not only honour the legacy of those who came before us, like Maxeke and the other women who are being honoured today, but we also ensure that, through this initiative and others like it, we are paving the way for the celebration of future generations of women leaders,” Ntshavheni said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

9

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has begun rolling out the Milestones of Freedom campaign to provinces, following its national launch by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 18 June 2026.

The campaign seeks to promote social cohesion, inspire national pride and encourage reflection on South Africa’s democratic journey by highlighting key milestones the country is commemorating this year.

These include the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Youth Uprising, the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March against pass laws, and the 60th anniversary of the forced removals from District Six.

To bring the campaign closer to communities, provincial launches are being led by the GCIS in partnership with Offices of the Premier, Departments of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture, as well as local municipalities.

The first provincial launch took place in Sharpeville, Gauteng, on 26 July 2026, where GCIS, together with provincial government structures, hosted a memorial lecture marking the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Constitution.

The venue was selected for its historical significance as a site of memory and reflection in a community that bears the scars of the struggle against apartheid.

The campaign rollout will continue throughout the year until February 2027, with provincial launches scheduled across the country during August.

For August 2025, the launch schedule is as follows: 
06 August: KwaZulu-Natal, Ilembe District Municipality, 
06 August:  Northern Cape, John Taolo Gaetsewe District
10 August:  Free State, Mangaung Metro
11 August:  Eastern Cape, Kouga Local Municipality
11-12 August: Western Cape, City of Cape Town 
14 August:  Mpumalanga, Gert Sibande District
26 August:  Limpopo, Capricorn District, Polokwane
27 August:  North-West – Dr Kenneth Kaunda Municipality

A detailed schedule of provincial launch events is available on the government website: https://www.gov.za/event-category/commemorative-events with GCIS expected to issue media advisories containing further details on each provincial launch. 

“Government encourages communities to participate in Milestones of Freedom activities as an opportunity to deepen their understanding of South Africa’s shared history and strengthen their appreciation of the country’s journey to democracy,” the GCIS said in a statement. 

More information on future Milestones of Freedom events is available on the government website: www.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za  

 

3

The Deputy Minister in The Presidency Kenny Morolong will on Wednesday lead a delegation from the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) during an engagement with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Executive Council.

The engagement will focus on the coordination of government communication, nation branding and community media support in the province.

Also accompanying the Deputy Minister will be the delegation from the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) and Brand South Africa (Brand SA).

“The engagement forms part of government’s ongoing communication policy advocacy programme aimed at enhancing a coordinated and integrated government communication system across all spheres of government,” the Presidency said in a statement.

According to the Presidency, the engagement follows a similar session held in the North West, the Free State and recently Mpumalanga as part of a nationwide rollout intended to strengthen communication planning, promote a cohesive national narrative, support community media, and advance South Africa’s nation-branding objectives. – SAnews.gov.za
 

4

By Michael Currin
South Africa’s democracy was forged through the courage, sacrifice and unwavering determination of those who believed in the ideals of freedom, equality and human dignity. The road to freedom was neither easy nor without immense pain. It demanded extraordinary resilience from generations who endured injustice, oppression and personal hardship in pursuit of a democratic South Africa where all people could enjoy equal rights and opportunities. The democratic gains achieved over the past three decades were hard-won and remain a shared national responsibility.

Preserving and advancing these gains requires ethical leadership that is guided by the principles of integrity, accountability and an unwavering commitment to serving the interests of the public. It is this kind of leadership that strengthens democratic institutions, inspires public confidence and ensures that government remains responsive to the needs of its people. Moreover, it is also the role of citizens to collaborate with government in ensuring that the values of democracy are upheld, communities remain actively engaged in shaping their future, and public institutions continue to serve as instruments for the advancement of society.

By embracing ethical leadership at every level of government, South Africa advances its vision of building a capable, ethical and developmental state that places the needs of its people at the centre of governance. Building such a state is a priority of the Seventh Administration and a constitutional imperative that underpins public administration. It is a state supported by strong democratic institutions that promote accountability, transparency and the protection of constitutional values.

These institutions, including Chapter 9 institutions such as the Public Protector, Auditor-General of South Africa and the South African Human Rights Commission, together with mechanisms such as commissions of inquiry, play a critical role in strengthening oversight and ensuring that public power is exercised responsibly. Ultimately, a capable, ethical and developmental state must be responsive to the needs of its people and committed to creating the conditions necessary for economic growth, job creation and an improved quality of life for all South Africans.

The success of a capable and developmental state relies heavily on having professional public servants. These are competent, accountable, ethical public servants who also possess the skills and expertise to plan and implement policies and monitor programmes that deliver meaningful outcomes for its citizens.

These principles are not abstract aspirations. They are rooted in South Africa’s constitutional framework and are binding for every sphere of government. The Constitution requires public servants to manage finances in a manner that is transparent and ensures value for money. Citizens have a right to know how public funds were allocated, how they were spent, what services were delivered, and who must be held accountable when commitments are not met.

Our democracy has several tools to ensure accountability, and one of these is the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), which provides the legislative framework for the management of public finances across national and provincial government, as well as public entities. The PFMA promotes transparency, accountability and responsible financial management by requiring institutions to use public resources efficiently, effectively and in accordance with the law.

At the local government level, these principles are reinforced through the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and the Municipal Systems Act, which govern how municipalities and municipal entities manage public resources and deliver services to communities. Together, these legislative frameworks establish clear standards for budgeting, financial reporting, procurement, revenue management, oversight and the prevention of unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure. They are central to building ethical governance and protecting the integrity of South Africa’s democracy.

Compliance with legislation, however, does not on its own constitute capability. A municipality that submits reports on time but cannot provide reliable water services, maintain roads or pay legitimate suppliers cannot be regarded as fully functional. Equally, a municipality that completes a project through an unlawful procurement process cannot claim success. A capable state must deliver measurable results while upholding the law, protecting the public purse and ensuring that resources are used in the best interests of communities.

The recent actions by National Treasury to withhold municipal transfers from municipalities that failed to address governance and financial shortcomings serve as a reminder that protecting democracy requires ethical leadership and strong accountability systems. These interventions demonstrate that public resources are entrusted to government for the benefit of citizens and that leaders have a responsibility to ensure that these resources are managed responsibly, transparently and in accordance with the law.

While strong laws and accountability mechanisms are necessary to prevent the misuse of public resources, they cannot replace the need for leaders who act with integrity, take responsibility for their decisions and place the interests of communities above all else.

Ethical leadership is therefore fundamental to building the capable, ethical and developmental state envisioned in the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030. The NDP recognises that a capable state requires strong institutions, professional public servants and leaders who are committed to accountability, transparency and effective service delivery. Policies and legislative frameworks provide the foundation for good governance, but it is ethical leadership that gives effect to these principles and ensures that government institutions serve their intended purpose.

Through ethical leadership, government can strengthen public trust, improve institutional performance and ensure that public resources are directed towards creating better outcomes for citizens. This is essential to preserving the gains of South Africa’s democracy and advancing a state that is responsive, accountable and committed to improving the quality of life of all South Africans.

*Currin is Deputy Director-General at the Government Communication and Information System

 

5

The Eastern Cape Department of Health, in partnership with the National Department of Health and other stakeholders, is commemorating World Breastfeeding Week with renewed calls to strengthen breastfeeding support and improve infant nutrition.

To mark the week, the National Department of Health, together with the provincial department, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners, are conducting community outreach activities across the province.

A flagship event is taking place today at the Nkondlo African Gospel Church in Engcobo, in the Chris Hani District Municipality, where pregnant women, mothers, fathers, healthcare workers and community members are participating in breastfeeding awareness activities, including a joint breastfeeding session.

Similar events are being held in provinces across the country to strengthen community support for breastfeeding and encourage healthy starts for children.

Observed annually from 1 to 7 August, World Breastfeeding Week aims to raise awareness about the health, social and economic benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers.

This year’s campaign is being held under the theme: “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works”, highlighting the role of breastfeeding in improving nutrition, enhancing food security, reducing poverty and promoting cost-effective interventions that support mothers.

According to the Department of Health, South Africa’s exclusive breastfeeding rate stands at 22%, well below the global target of 60% by 2030. In comparison, the World Health Organization estimates that nearly 48% of infants under six months of age were exclusively breastfed worldwide in 2024.

The department said improving breastfeeding practices is critical to reducing infant mortality, addressing childhood malnutrition and improving maternal health outcomes.

“Breastmilk remains a baby’s first vaccine and best protection against illness and disease,” the department said ahead of Tuesday’s flagship event.

Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients infants require during the first months of life and continues to meet a significant portion of a child’s nutritional needs throughout the first two years.

The department continues to encourage mothers to initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusively breastfeed for the first six months, and continue breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods until children reach two years of age and beyond.

The campaign also emphasises that breastfeeding is a shared responsibility, requiring support from government, employers, healthcare workers, families and communities to create environments that enable mothers to breastfeed successfully. – SAnews.gov.za

 

5

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed two Proclamations authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of maladministration and unlawful conduct in the affairs of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality Police operationalisation and the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health’s voluntary medical male circumcision tender.

In a statement on Monday, the SIU said Proclamation 329 of 2026 initiates an investigation into serious maladministration within the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in the Free State over nine contracts.

“This investigation will specifically focus on the causes related to the establishment and operationalisation of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipal Police, as outlined in Provincial Notice No. 124 of 2019, as well as overpayments made by the municipality to suppliers, as indicated in the municipality’s annual financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2024,” the SIU said.

The investigation will examine the procurement and contracting processes for branding and marketing items, corporate gift items, catering services and the upgrading, relocation and configuration of office space at Gabriel Dichabe for Mangaung Metropolitan Municipal Police, among others.

In addition, it will examine related unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the municipality or the State, as recorded in the Municipality’s Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure Register for the financial years 2022–2023 and 2023–2024.

“The investigations will also review any improper or unlawful conduct by officials or employees, service providers, suppliers, or any other person or entity during the period under investigation.

The Proclamation covers allegations that took place between 1 October 2016 and 31 July 2026.

It also empowers the SIU to investigate any conduct before or after this period that is relevant or connected to the matters under investigation, including contracts where services were paid for but not delivered.

Meanwhile, Proclamation 325 of 2026 authorises the SIU to investigate the procurement or contracting of voluntary medical male circumcision services by or on behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health.

The investigation pertains to Tender No. GT/GDH/099/2018 and the payments made in relation to it, examining the process and compliance involved.

“The investigation will also examine whether the process was fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, and cost-effective. It will also assess compliance with applicable legislation, as well as manuals, guidelines, practice notes, circulars, or instructions issued by the National Treasury or the relevant Provincial Treasury.

“The investigators will also review the manuals, policies, procedures, prescripts, instructions, or practices relevant to the department, as well as any unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State,” the SIU explained.

The Proclamation covers allegations that took place between 1 August 2018 and 31 July 2026.

It also empowers the SIU to investigate any conduct before or after this period that is relevant or connected to the matters under investigation, including contracts where services were paid for but not delivered. – SAnews.gov.za

 

2