Category: South Africa Government

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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

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DIRCO committed to supporting South African Hajj pilgrims 

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says it remains dedicated to providing consular support to South African nationals fulfilling their religious obligations, including Hajj and Umrah, while also striving to maintain South Africa’s positive reputation in Saudi Arabia.

This is after the National Assembly unanimously passed the motion without notice to protect the rights of Hajj pilgrims, tabled by the opposition party last week. 

The party called for urgent intervention in the South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) controversy, condemning SAHUC’s alleged attempts to monopolise Hajj travel and highlighting serious allegations of misconduct.

The motion called for DIRCO to intervene to safeguard pilgrims’ rights; the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Commission (CRL Rights Commission) to investigate allegations of misconduct at SAHUC; transparency in Hajj operations and the implementation of the Nusuk Hajj system, and urgent action to prevent the establishment of a monopoly in Hajj travel, which would raise costs for pilgrims.

DIRCO has acknowledged the National Assembly’s adoption of a motion without notice regarding the “Resolution on the SAHUC controversy”. However, the department reaffirmed the information provided in its previous statement dated 15 August 2025. 

The department said that on 30 June 2025, the Ministerial Committee on Efficient Management of the Annual Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages submitted its final report to DIRCO.

“The department is currently engaging with the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities to ensure alignment with constitutional and community-based principles.” 

Meanwhile, according to the department, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia have announced a new operational framework for the facilitation of Hajj from South Africa, effective from 2026. 

Under this new model, DIRCO explained that the traditional use of licensed tour operators will be discontinued.

“Instead, all service contracts will be signed directly with Saudi service providers, who will assume full responsibility for service delivery within the Kingdom. Coordination will be managed through the Nusuk Masar electronic platform, under the oversight of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.” 

In a statement issued last month, the department said the CRL Rights Commission continues to play a vital role in guiding cultural, religious, and linguistic communities on how to organise and coordinate their affairs. 

The Commission provides support to ensure that these communities operate independently of State interference, while safeguarding their religious rights and freedoms. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Government committed to ‘safeguarding and supporting’ judiciary independence

Source: Government of South Africa

Government committed to ‘safeguarding and supporting’ judiciary independence

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says “significant progress” has been made on the work to transition the Judiciary towards administrative and operational independence.

The Minister made the remarks during a webinar hosted by judicial monitoring body, Judges Matter.

Earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa, together with members of the National Executive, hosted a high-level engagement with Constitutional Court Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and Heads of Court to kick start the process to entrenching the independence of the Judiciary.

The proposed model will entail structural independence, which includes both financial and operational independence with the vision to establish a single Judiciary, the administration of the Lower Courts, including the Magistrates Commission, will also be transferred the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ).

During the dialogue with Judges Matter, Kubayi outlined the progress made so far with the transfer of functions to be conducted in phases.

“Since the formation of the task team to work on the transition to an administrative and operationally independent Judiciary, significant progress has been made to make this vision a reality.

“Phase 1 will involve the immediate transfer of shared services relating to the Superior Courts from the Department to the OCJ. These shared services are not provided for in any legislative instrument and the transfer could be effected through a directive from the Minister to the Accounting Officers of the Department and the OCJ. Phase 1 transfer will be effective from 01 April 2026.

“Phase 2 involves, amongst others, the operationalisation of legislation aimed at clothing the Judiciary with full institutional independence including the creation of a single Judiciary. With regards to Phase 2, it is envisaged that the team will have the first draft bill before the end of this year,” she said.

Kubayi noted that the transfer of District and Regional courts to the OCJ “may be a complex matter”.

“However, in line with the vision of creating a single judiciary, we believe the transfer of the lower courts to the OCJ will make the judiciary stronger and independent as a third arm of the state.

“To this effect, an audit of court-related functions to be transferred to the OCJ has been conducted which indicated that the magistrate commission and various functions performed in respect of court operations at national and provincial level should be transferred to the OCJ,” she added.

Gaining independence

Kubayi explained that under a dispensation similar to that of Parliament, it will be proposed that secretary general of the judiciary will appear before Parliament to “account for the finances”. 

“The enabling legislation must provide for financial and operational independence of the superior courts administration promoting governance mechanisms and appropriate checks and balances. OCJ should be a permanent independent entity separate from the Executive authority under the aegis of the Judiciary.

“OCJ will be required to administer and provide support to the courts generally, including but not limited to the provision of, information technology services; corporate and logistic services; case flow management; infrastructure services and resource management; operational support; management and maintenance services in respect of court buildings and OCJ offices and premises, including court libraries and other facilities. 

“They also be required to manage human resources; and manage the budgeting and accounting of the courts and the OCJ,” the Minister said.

She reiterated government’s support for the process, stressing that South Africa’s courts, especially the Constitutional Court, have been able to be a steady voice, grounded in reason, compassion and principle without interference from the executive, even in cases where the executive vehemently disagreed with the decisions courts.

“The debate on judicial governance and court administration within the context of an independent Judiciary has been ongoing since the advent of democracy. The principles of the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary lie at the heart of this debate.

“I would like to reaffirm, on behalf of the executive, our commitment to safeguarding and supporting the independence of the judiciary. We also committed to the creation of a single judiciary that is administratively and operationally independent and led by the judiciary,” Kubayi concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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Global leaders urge action against humanitarian law violations in conflicts

Source: Government of South Africa

Leaders from Brazil, China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan and South Africa, along with representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), have expressed concern about the widespread violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) happening in conflicts around the world. 

The leaders said the violations are causing significant human suffering, and are urging States and the international community to take action.

This call comes one year after they launched the Global IHL Initiative, aimed at fostering political commitment to uphold IHL.

“We were driven by a deep sense of responsibility and urgency to act decisively to stem the tide of violations of international humanitarian law the world is witnessing,” a joint statement issued on Sunday read. 

As of now, 89 States from various regions around the world have officially joined the Global IHL Initiative to promote humanity in times of war. 

In addition, 27 States are collaborating as co-leaders on seven thematic workstreams. Their goal is to develop practical recommendations for enhancing compliance with IHL and addressing the challenges brought about by the evolving nature of warfare.

Over the past year, over 130 States engaged in global and regional discussions on enhancing compliance with IHL.

“A common theme emerging from these consultations is a call from States for a protective interpretation of IHL,” the statement said, noting that the findings will be published in an interim report next month. 

The leaders mentioned that this movement relates to all global conflicts, engages all relevant stakeholders, and aims to ensure a fair and universal application of IHL.

“It also recognises that the primary responsibility to uphold, implement and apply the Geneva Conventions in practice lies with States.

“We call on all parties to armed conflict to uphold IHL. We reaffirm that all States, including in situations of occupation, are bound to fully respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law, including the rules related to the protection of civilians, civilian objects, medical and aid workers and journalists.” 

The Global IHL Initiative leaders believe that the United Nations (UN), in line with the UN Charter and the wider multilateral system, plays an important role in this regard.

They also announced that they will co-host a global high-level meeting to uphold humanity in war in 2026.

Leading up to the meeting, all States are encouraged to prioritise IHL at home. This includes officially allocating sufficient resources to invest in and ensure compliance with IHL, particularly in ongoing conflicts. 

In addition, they are urging States to incorporate IHL into national legislation and conflict preparedness. This can be achieved through proper training for military and security forces, empowering national IHL committees, and formally joining the Global IHL Initiative. 

They also believe that active participation in consultations is essential, and States are encouraged to motivate others to do the same.

“Seventy-six years after the adoption of the Geneva Conventions, we call on all world leaders to unite around a shared responsibility to prevent atrocities and protect humanity in times of war. 

“The world cannot stand idly as the basic tenets of international humanitarian law are routinely and deliberately being violated. 

“Together, we can put an end to the inconceivable and unconscionable suffering and destruction that is the mark of today’s conflicts and steer the latter towards peaceful resolution,” the leaders said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Police Commissioner Masemola appears at Madlanga Commission

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Police Service’s National Police Commissioner, Fani Masemola, is today presenting evidence at the Madlanga Commission.

Officially known as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, the Commission’s hearings got underway last week.

Masemola’s testimony comes after the evidence presented by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, over the first three days of the Commission’s hearings last week.

READ | Cabinet welcomes commencement of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry

“The public will be able to follow the hearing via livestream on the Commission’s website, as well as various radio, television, news and social media platforms.

“We would also like to remind those members of the public, who want to attend the hearing, that they should bring along a valid identity document or driver’s licence, and that no weapons will be permitted on the Commission’s premises — the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria,” Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said.

The commission’s website is www.criminaljusticecommission.org.za.

In Parliament, the Ad Hoc Committee to investigate allegations made by Mkhwanazi has called on the public and organisations to make “written submissions on matters pertinent to the scope of the inquiry”.

“Section 59(1)(a) of the Constitution obligates the committee to facilitate public involvement in its processes, and that individuals and all interested parties are offered a reasonable opportunity to be informed of the work of the committee and to have a say.

“Only submissions which relate to the scope of the inquiry will be considered by the committee. Written submissions, including supporting documentation, intended to place evidence before the committee, must be provided under oath or affirmation.

“Individuals or organisations requiring assistance in preparing a sworn statement or submitting evidence are encouraged to notify the committee so that appropriate support can be arranged,” the committee said in a statement.

Submissions can be sent to adhocmkhwanazi@parliament.gov.za.

Enquiries may be directed to Mr V Ramaano- 083 709 8427; Adv P Gwebu – 083 709 8395 or Ms B Mbengo – 083 09 8489. – SAnews.gov.za

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Mpumalanga seven to appear in court

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 22, 2025

Seven suspects are expected to appear in the Pilgrim’s Rest Periodical Court today after being found without the valid documentation to be in the country, police said.

In a statement on Monday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said the seven, who are aged between 15 and 43, were arrested on Saturday by multidisciplinary teams deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga.

“The suspects were apprehended during disruptive operations conducted in the Pilgrim’s Rest area. Six were arrested after being found without valid documentation to be in South Africa, while one was fined for contravening the Immigration Act relating to the employment of undocumented persons.”

During the operation, police also discovered abandoned illicit mining equipment, including gas cylinders, wheelbarrows and oxygen cylinders.

“The arrested suspects were charged with contravening the Immigration Act,” said police. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa arrives in New York for the UNGA80 High Level Segment

Source: President of South Africa –

His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in New York in the United States of America to lead a South African delegation during High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80).

The high-level segment will take place from 23 to 29 September 2025 under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter.

The President will on Monday, 22 September 2025 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 mobilize 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, 23 September 2025. He will also carry a message from the Global South, amplified by South Africa’s current role as Chair of the G20.

These segments provides an opportunity for the President to engage on urgent international issues, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza, 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.

On Wednesday 24 September 2025, President Ramaphosa will also participate 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.

In his capacity as the Chair of the Global Leaders Network on Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, President Ramaphosa will convene a high-level meeting on Recommitting to Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health and Rights: A call to action for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development.  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 President will also participate in a Special High-level Event on Climate Action to 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.

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 Department of Trade, Industry and Competition 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

On Thursday, 25 September 2025, The President 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 President is supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Ronald Lamola; the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr. Parks Tau; the Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga; the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George; the Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms. Maropene Ramokgopa; Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr. Mondli Gungubele.

UNGA80 High-Level schedule and clean feed available on https://webtv.un.org/en/schedule.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Water dept uses prestigious award to encourage development

Source: Government of South Africa

Water dept uses prestigious award to encourage development

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has encouraged the Water Research Commission and other stakeholders to use the prestigious World Heritage Irrigation Structure (WHIS) Award recognising Douglas Weir as the best and historical irrigation structure globally.

This also a springboard for the improvement of the lives of the local community, particularly with regards to water supply and dignified sanitation.   

Majodina, together with Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, and Water Research Commission delegates, handed over the WHIS Award to the Orange-Vaal Water Users Association and a newly refurbished Douglas Water Treatment Works (WTW) to Siyancuma Local Municipality in the Pixley ka Seme District Municipality in the Northern Cape last week.

The WHIS Award is a prestigious designation given to historic irrigation structures by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), and it recognises the cultural, historical, and technological significance of these structures. 

The award was handed over to South Africa last September at the 9th Asian Regional Conference of ICID in Sydney, Australia, to recognise a 134-year-old Douglas Weir as an engineering marvel that has pioneered irrigation-led rural development in the Northern Cape.

Douglas Weir was nominated by the South African National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (SANCID), and the award was accepted on behalf of the committee by ICID Vice-President and SANCID Chair, Prof Sylvester Mpandeli. 

A weir is a barrier across the width of a body of water that alters the flow characteristics of water and usually results in a change in the height of the water level and is used to control the flow of water for rivers and other water resource structures. 

The weir is located at the confluence of the Vaal and Orange Rivers in Douglas, and is now documented in the ICID Register of World Heritage Structures as the world’s oldest irrigation structure with historical context.

This is the first time that a South African irrigation structure has received the award since the inception of the WHIS recognition category in 2012. The award was officially handed to the water users association as it is responsible for managing the water resource infrastructure.

“The global recognition given to Douglas Weir as the historic and cultural structure with engineering dexterity, should be used to do more for the community of Douglas.   

“There should be innovative structures that will bring an improvement to the supply of water and dignified sanitation to the local people and the surrounding areas. I call on the Water Research Commission and different stakeholders to make this site a hub for innovation for water and sanitation projects,” Majodina said. 

The call by Majodina to make use of the weir to create economic opportunities to improve the lives of the people of Douglas was acknowledged and reiterated by the Chairperson of the Board of Water Research Council, Dr Rethabile Melamu.

“The WHIS Award places us as the only third country to ever receive such an award. As we are formally bringing this award home to South Africa and particularly to the people of Douglas in the Northern Cape, we pledge to make this award a catalyst for economic development in the area and as the tool to improve on water and sanitation challenges in the area. 

“We will work with different stakeholders to ensure that this engineering marvel is used not only as an irrigation site, but as a boon to technological advances that will used to change the lives of the people of Douglas,” Melamu said. 

Majodina also handed over a refurbished Douglas Water Treatment Works, which serves as raw water abstraction point for water purification and supply to the town and surroundings. 

The existing purification plant was not operating efficiently, as it had exceeded its 30-year design life cycle and it needed urgent refurbishment. 

The R28 million revitalisation project scope entailed the refurbishment of the water purification plant, the general rehabilitation work of the plant and the installation of a 200KVA emergency generator. 

The Douglas water treatment plant initially supplied purified water with a design capacity of 3.8 megalitres per day (ML/pd) but was upgraded to supply 7 ML/pd to the population of 22 180 persons residing in 4 704 households within the area of Douglas.

Premier Saul said the handover of the Douglas plant demonstrates government’s commitment to service delivery and sustainable development. 

“The newly refurbished water treatment plant will ensure that the fundamental right of provision of clean and fresh water to every citizen of this country as it is enshrined in the Constitution,” said Premier Saul.   

“I should further add that great progress has been made to improve access to clean and drinkable water in the Northern Cape, with 84.4% households having access to safely managed sanitation and approximately 80.1% having access to piped water inside their dwellings.

“Just over 90% of households in the province rely on other sources such as springs and boreholes. These statistics assist us in understanding the trajectory of water and sanitation provision in the province, and it is also important to acknowledge the contribution made by the Department of Water and Sanitation to ensure service delivery is improved,” the Premier said. 

The Premier also applauded the historic recognition given to the Douglas Weir, which contributes to the irrigation of more than 8 000 hectares, supporting both crop production and livestock farming. 

“On behalf of the Northern Cape Provincial Government, I congratulate the farmers and the workers for the recognition that they have received with the internationally acclaimed WHIS Award. 

“Government upholds and gives due recognition to all the efforts that alleviate the impact of being a water-scarce province. As such, we wish to applaud the Orange-Vaal Water Users Association that is responsible for managing the infrastructure,” Premier added. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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