Category: South Africa Government

Government has unveiled sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening protection for whistleblowers, acknowledging that fear of retaliation, financial ruin and even death has deterred many from exposing corruption. 

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamaloko Kubayi, on Thursday released the Protected Disclosures Bill for public comment, describing it as a critical intervention to safeguard individuals who come forward with information on wrongdoing.

Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria, Kubayi said government convened the briefing to present the Protected Disclosures Bill to the people of South Africa.

The proposed legislation arises largely from the findings of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, commonly known as the Zondo Commission, as well as the recommendations of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC).

Whistleblowers at risk

Kubayi painted a stark picture of the risks faced by whistleblowers, noting that existing laws have failed to adequately protect them.

“While the current legislation exists, there have been numerous instances of whistle-blowers suffering occupational detriment, including suspension and dismissal. In some cases, dismissals are used to punish employees, payouts of benefits are delayed, and tragically, some whistle-blowers have lost their lives,” she said.  

She cited high-profile cases, including Babita Deokaran, Martha Ngoye, Athol Williams and Mpho Mafole, as examples of individuals who suffered for exposing corruption.

The Minister said many whistleblowers are left to navigate complex legal processes without support, often after losing their livelihoods and assets.

Closing gaps in current law

The Bill seeks to address weaknesses identified by the Zondo Commission and NACAC, including unclear reporting procedures, weak protection measures and lack of coordinated systems.

“This Bill seeks to address these shortcomings by introducing a strengthened and more comprehensive framework for the protection of disclosers. 

“It aims to ensure that individuals who come forward have a secure reporting channel, are protected from retaliation, supported throughout the process, and that their disclosures are handled efficiently by appropriately capacitated individuals and institutions,” Kubayi said.

Key protections introduced

Among its major reforms, the Bill introduces:

• A clear definition of a disclosure, detrimental action and occupational detriment in clauses 1, 2 and 3. 

The Minister explained that a disclosure is information revealing improper conduct in the public or private sector. Detrimental action is action resulting in unfair discrimination, action that threatens or violates the legal rights of a person disclosing or a related person, action that amounts to intimidation or harassment, including conduct that causes personal harm or injury, or leads to loss of, or damage to, property or livelihood.

• It outlines mechanisms to protect the confidentiality of disclosures and disclosers in clauses 19 to 23. 

“The Bill prohibits the disclosure of the identity of a discloser or any information that may lead to their identification without their consent, except where strictly necessary for purposes of handling the disclosure. It further provides for restricted access to information, in camera court proceedings, and the redaction of identifying details in legal processes. Any breach of these confidentiality provisions constitutes a criminal offence,” the Minister explained. 

• The Bill provides for protection under the Witness Protection Act, 1998, in clause 22. 

This extends formal state protection measures to disclosers and related persons where necessary, including access to protection programmes such as relocation, identity protection and security measures.

• It provides for legal assistance to disclosers in clause 23. 

Where a discloser cannot afford legal representation, a court or tribunal may refer the matter to Legal Aid South Africa, which must provide legal assistance at state expense where substantial injustice would otherwise occur.

• The Bill introduces a complaints mechanism in clauses 24 to 26. 

This mechanism is overseen by a retired judge designated by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice. It allows disclosers or related persons to lodge complaints where disclosures are not properly handled, where retaliation occurs, or where confidentiality is threatened, and empowers the judge to investigate and refer matters for appropriate action.

• Furthermore, the Bill criminalises breaches of the legislation. 

These include the suppression or concealment of evidence during an investigation, the unlawful disclosure of information or the identity of a discloser and subjecting a discloser to occupational detriment or detrimental action. These offences attract serious penalties, including fines and imprisonment of up to 10 or 15 years, depending on the nature of the offence. 

“So, we are saying those who deliberately breach this legislation, as we propose, will face consequences and a maximum sentence of 15 years. This talks to the seriousness of how we want to protect whistleblowers in this regard,” Kubayi said. 

The Bill also places a legal burden on employers to prove that any action taken against a whistleblower is not linked to their disclosure. 

The Minister further explained that a disclosure is a protected disclosure if it is made to the following individuals or institutions:

• Every employer, including both the private and public sectors. All employers are required to develop procedures for receiving and managing disclosures, including the designation of an official responsible for handling such disclosures.
• A legal practitioner or legal adviser.
• A member of the Cabinet, Executive Council of a province, or a Municipal Council.
• Institutions such as the Public Protector, the South African Human Rights Commission, the Commission for Gender Equality, the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities, the Public Service Commission, and the Auditor-General.

Faster reporting and accountability

To improve efficiency, the proposed law introduces strict timelines:

• Disclosures must be acknowledged within five days. 
• Decisions taken within ten days.
• Investigations completed within 12 months.

A central database will be created to track disclosures and ensure accountability, although no personal information of whistleblowers will be stored.

Incentives and financial support

In a significant shift, the Bill opens the door for financial support and possible incentives for whistleblowers. 

Responding to questions, Kubayi confirmed that support mechanisms would be strengthened through the expansion of the witness protection system.

“Yes, the current law does not provide for witness protection to protect whistleblowers, and that’s why this bill, particularly once it is approved, then it gives that mandate, it becomes an extended mandate to the witness protection unit,” she said. 

She said the aim is to build on existing systems rather than create new ones.

“We don’t want to reinvent the wheel. We don’t want to change what is already there, but also link it up,” she said. 

On incentives, Kubayi said government is cautious about adopting a direct cash reward model but is open to public proposals.

“For example, we can work together with partners in the private sector. If a whistleblower, let’s say, is dismissed from work while the investigation is happening, the banks do not repossess their cars, the banks do not repossess their houses… So there are various incentive mechanisms that we can put in place to encourage but protect the whistleblowers, instead of just a cash payout to the individual,” she said. 

She added that while minimum financial support is being proposed, broader models, including international practices, will be considered during public consultation.

Expanded protection beyond testimony

Kubayi clarified that the Bill proposes extending witness protection to whistleblowers even before they testify in formal proceedings, a significant shift from the current system.

However, she stressed that the Bill is not yet law and remains subject to public input and parliamentary approval.

“This is a Bill that is still going to have to go through public participation… So, currently, what I’ve mentioned here are proposals that are found in the new Bill; they are not yet in place,” the minister said. 

Public participation invited

The Bill has been released for public comment, with submissions open until 14 May 2026.

“We encourage all stakeholders, including civil society, business, labour, and members of the public, to participate in this process and provide inputs that will strengthen this important piece of legislation,” she said. 

Kubayi emphasised the importance of written submissions to ensure transparency and legal compliance in the consultation process.

Background: The Protected Disclosures Bill

The Protected Disclosures Bill is a response to long-standing concerns that South Africa’s existing whistleblower framework is inadequate.

The Zondo Commission into State Capture highlighted systemic failures in protecting whistleblowers, noting that many faced intimidation, dismissal, financial hardship and, in some cases, assassination.

The Bill builds on the current Protected Disclosures Act but introduces stronger safeguards, clearer procedures and institutional support mechanisms.

It also aligns South Africa with international best practices, drawing from countries such as Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, and frameworks like the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

Importantly, the Bill proposes:

• Extending witness protection to whistleblowers from the point of disclosure, not only when testifying. 
• Introducing potential financial support and incentives.
• Strengthening penalties for retaliation and breaches of confidentiality. 
• Creating systems to ensure disclosures are acted upon efficiently. 

The legislation is also designed to balance protection with accountability, allowing for the withdrawal of protection in cases where individuals act in bad faith or are complicit in wrongdoing.

When adopted, the Bill is expected to play a key role in South Africa’s broader anti-corruption strategy by encouraging more individuals to come forward while ensuring their safety and support. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has challenged young people to take the lead in setting global standards for artificial intelligence (AI) governance to ensure the technology advances equity, rather than deepens global inequality. 

Delivering the keynote address at the 4th BRICS Youth Innovation Summit 2026, currently underway at Tshwane University of Technology, Chikunga positioned youth as central actors in shaping a more just and multipolar global order.

She warned that artificial intelligence is not neutral, urging young innovators across BRICS nations to play an active role in defining how it is governed globally.

“AI must work for people and their wellbeing — not the other way around. This means insisting on African and BRICS participation in setting global AI governance standards.

“It means asking who owns the data, who benefits from the model, and who bears the cost when the model fails. Innovation in AI without democratic accountability is not progress. It is a new form of enclosure,” the Minister said.

Held under the theme: “Youth-Led Innovation for Sustainable Development”, the summit, taking place from 8-10 April 2026, serves as a meeting point between promising young entrepreneurs, including business leaders, investors, partners and experts from BRICS+ countries and the Global South.

Chikunga opened her address by commending the South African BRICS Youth Association and its partners for sustaining the summit platform over four years, describing it as critical to building “a more just, humane and sustainable world.”

She reminded delegates that BRICS leaders had already recognised youth as a driving force behind development during the 15th BRICS Summit 2023, where commitments were made to place young people at the centre of sustainable development efforts.

The Minister highlighted that the summit is not only an opportunity for BRICS youth to convene, innovate, and connect across borders, but should also serve as a vehicle for accountability.

“The summit should serve as a space in which young people exercise their right to hold their governments to what was promised in their name — and to demand evidence that the commitment to youth leadership is being translated from declaration into young people’s lived realities,” the Minister said.

BRICS in an increasingly contested world

Highlighting the growing influence of the BRICS bloc, Chikunga noted that it now represents more than 45% of the world’s population and over a third of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

She said the bloc’s significance lies in its assertion that the architecture of global governance must reflect the world as it is — not as it was drawn up in 1945.

“From an economic development standpoint, BRICS nations are home to the largest concentration of young people on the planet. The median age in India is 28. In South Africa, it is 27. In Ethiopia, it is 19.

“The question is not whether these young populations will shape global markets, labour forces, and innovation ecosystems. The question is whether you will do so on terms that serve your own societies — or on terms dictated by others,” Chikunga said.

Chikunga warned that the threat landscape confronting the new generation is not a series of isolated crises, but a system of interconnected failures, with each one compounding the next.

“The threats around which the youth must innovate are increasingly existential. The international order constructed after 1945 was built on a particular bargain: that productivity gains would be broadly shared, that trade would lift all boats, and that democratic institutions would mediate the tensions between capital and labour. That bargain has collapsed,” she said.

Four pillared call to action for BRICS youth

Chikunga outlined four key priorities for BRICS youth, and these include defending sovereignty through innovation; challenging orthodox approaches to economic models; adopting a critical approach to the AI bubble; and strengthening people-to-people relations.

“Young people must develop indigenous technological capacity and data governance frameworks that protect African and BRICS citizens from digital extraction. Innovate new economic thinking, grounded in productive capacity, industrial strategy, and the redistributive role of the developmental state. Your task is not to reject AI [but to] approach it critically.

“The strength of BRICS will never reside solely in trade agreements or development finance, but will reside in the depth of connection between the peoples of its member states. People-to-people relations — cultural exchange, academic mobility, artistic collaboration, and shared intellectual production — are the infrastructure of lasting solidarity,’ the Minister said.

In closing, Chikunga urged young people to take ownership of the future, despite mounting global challenges.

“The world you inherit is not the world that was promised. But you are not inheriting this world as passive recipients. You are here because you have chosen to act.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi has visited sugar mills in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of the reopening of the Sugarcane Crushing Season in May, as government moves to support the recovery and sustainability of South Africa’s sugar industry.

During Wednesday’s visit, Godlimpi toured facilities including Gledhow Mill, where operations are being revitalised under new ownership following a major investment commitment.

Speaking to the media during the visit, Godlimpi said workers at Gledhow Mill had been reassured that government is prioritising job preservation while also ensuring that the company operates sustainably.

“The government is dedicated to supporting the company’s transition to renewable energy resources,” he said.

Gledhow Mill includes a back-end refinery and is currently undergoing a major off-crop maintenance programme. 

The work forms part of the new mill owner’s three-year capital investment plan aimed at upgrading infrastructure, improving operational efficiency and modernising production processes.

According to Godlimpi, the new investor is introducing advanced technology at the plant to improve efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. 

The upgrades are also expected to support the manufacturing of spare parts for use at other factories in the surrounding area, contributing to local industrial activity and the regional economy.

“The parts to be sold to these factories in the area will contribute to the local economy,” Godlimpi said.

The reopening of Gledhow Mill follows a reported R1.8 billion expansion project by the new owners, as committed through the South African Investment Conference in March 2026.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said South Africa’s sugar industry remains a strategic agro-processing value chain that supports rural livelihoods, small-scale growers and regional economies, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.

However, the sector continues to face structural challenges, including the risk of potential mill closures that could significantly affect cane growers, rural employment and linked value chains.

Notwithstanding these challenges, the dtic and government development finance institutions such as the Industrial Development Corporation remain committed to supporting the reopening of sugar cane mills to preserve jobs and sustain rural livelihoods in KwaZulu-Natal.

The department said this commitment reflects government’s recognition that livelihoods would be negatively affected by any disruption to sugar industry operations. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, will on Monday officiate the launch of Invest South Africa’s One Stop Shop (OSS) in the Northern Cape.

The OSS initiative is aimed at providing investors with services that fast-track projects and reduce government red tape when establishing businesses. 

“The InvestSA One Stop Shop customer interface serves as the primary gateway through which investors and stakeholders engage with South Africa’s investment facilitation ecosystem,” the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) said in a statement.

It is designed to ensure broad, accessible, and responsive engagement through multiple channels, including South African foreign missions, foreign missions based in South Africa, business chambers, the InvestSA website, social media platforms, direct marketing emails, newsletters, surveys and targeted domestic and international investment promotion events

“As in other provinces, the One Stop Shop facility in the Northern Cape is a collaboration between the dtic, Northern Cape’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Provincial Investment Promotion Agency, other national, provincial and local government departments and agencies, traditional leaders, and business associations,” the department said.

The launch coincides with the provincial Investment Conference.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place in the afternoon at the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency in Kimberley.

The official programme will be at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre, 10 West Circular Road, Kimberley. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Northern Cape Provincial Government is expected to hold the provincial Investment and Jobs Conference in Kimberley next week.

The conference will be held under the theme: “Unlocking Investment for Jobs through Industrialisation”.

“[The] conference will focus on unlocking investment opportunities, strengthening strategic partnerships and driving sustainable job creation,” the provincial government said in a social media post.

Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, and MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Lerato Venus Blennies-Magage will lead the conference.

“This high-level engagement will bring together leaders from the public and private sectors to advance inclusive economic growth and position the Northern Cape as a modern, growing, and successful province,” the provincial government said. – SAnews.gov.za

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With government pursuing a reindustrialisation agenda, Deputy President Paul Mashatile has underscored to investors the importance of strong partnerships between government and business to drive economic growth, job creation, and increased manufacturing and industrial activity. 

Delivering a keynote address at the Gauteng Investment Conference 2026 (GIC 2026) in Johannesburg on Thursday, Mashatile said government requires a solid partnership with businesses that invest in skills, support localisation, integrate small enterprises into value chains, and commit to long-term resilience.

“Re‑industrialisation is a practical, forward‑looking strategy. It recognises that productive capacity is the foundation of sustained growth. It must result in technology‑driven factories, expanded industrial output, revitalised industrial parks and Special Economic Zones, strengthened local supply chains, and dignified jobs at scale,” Mashatile said.

In this process, he noted that government has a responsibility to de-risk investment through policy certainty, regulatory efficiency, and improved coordination across all spheres of government. 

This includes crowding in private capital alongside development finance institutions and commercial lenders, while ensuring delivery, accountability, and effective project tracking.

“Without reliable energy, efficient logistics, water security, and modern digital infrastructure, industrialisation cannot take place. That is why government continues to invest in stabilising and expanding energy supply, improving rail and port systems, and strengthening water and logistics infrastructure. These are the foundations of industrial growth,” he said.

Mashatile emphasised that the future of industrialisation is as digital as it is physical. 

“Data centres, artificial intelligence, fintech, cloud infrastructure, and digital public platforms are now the backbone of modern economies. Gauteng is uniquely positioned to lead in this space—and we must leverage this advantage to build globally competitive digital industries.

“Africa remains resource‑rich but value‑chain poor. We export raw materials and import finished goods. We are connected to global markets yet insufficiently integrated within our own continent.

“The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gives us a platform to change this—to build regional value chains, expand intra‑African trade, and industrialise at scale,” the Deputy President said.

AfCFTA is a comprehensive and ambitious free trade agreement that seeks to bring together all 55 members of the African Union (AU) into an integrated and combined market of 1.4 billion, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP)  of approximately US$3.4 trillion.

“Its success depends on improved cross‑border infrastructure, reduced trade barriers, aligned standards, and strong support for African businesses.

“Equally, industrialisation does not happen without investment. Investment must translate into production. Production must translate into jobs. And jobs must translate into improved livelihoods.

“Industrial growth must not be exclusionary. It must unlock opportunities for young people, township economies, and small and emerging enterprises, ensuring that growth translates into shared prosperity. This is our moment, not to extract, not to import, but to produce, innovate, and lead,” he said.

To mobilise investment, advance industrialisation, and accelerate inclusive economic growth, the Gauteng government brought together global investors, African governments, municipal leaders, development finance institutions, banks, and the private sector under one roof at GIC 2026.

The platform aims to enhance Gauteng’s position as Africa’s leading investment hub.

This year’s conference builds on the success of the inaugural event held in 2025, which secured R312 billion in investment pledges. It forms part of the province’s strategy to attract R800 billion in new investments over three years.

“Through the Gauteng Investment Conference, we are saying clearly to investors: South Africa is open for business and Gauteng is ready for execution.

“We are determined that Gauteng will lead by example in shortening regulatory timelines, coordinating across spheres of government, crowding in private capital, and supporting investors across the full project lifecycle so that commitments translate into measurable economic impact and inclusive growth,” the Deputy President said. –SAnews.gov.za

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The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured an Acknowledgement of Debt from Rubicon Communications CC and its Chief Executive Officer, Hangwani Mudangawe Nengovhela, after the company was awarded nearly R2.7 million for a youth leadership and skills development programme that never happened.

The company was allocated the money in November 2018 by the National Skills Fund (NSF) to train some 100 learners.

“The project was meant to start in 2019 and run for 12 months, equipping learners with a National Certificate in Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather Manufacturing.

“However, the SIU’s forensic analysis revealed that the funds were spent within two months of receipt, between November and December 2018 — long before the training could begin.

“The money was diverted to cover Rubicon’s operational expenses, logistics, machinery purchases, rentals, loan repayments, school fees and personal transfers. For example, R1.39 million was spent on ‘operations and logistics’; R200 000 on machinery, R90 000 on rentals, and significant amounts were transferred to individuals linked to Rubicon,” the SIU said in a statement.

By the end of 2018, the NSF allocation had been depleted with “nothing for the learners the project was meant to empower”.

“This misuse of funds meant that the leadership programme never took place, and 100 learners were denied the opportunity to gain critical skills that could have improved their livelihoods.

“The SIU, acting under Proclamation No. 253 of 2025, investigated the matter and engaged Rubicon Communications CC to recover the misused funds. After negotiations, the company signed an Acknowledgement of Debt in February 2026, ensuring that the NSF will recover the full amount, plus interest and costs,” the statement continued.

The corruption busting unit emphasised that the agreement and repayments do not “exempt the parties involved from being referred to the prosecuting authority for potential criminal prosecution”.

“This recovery underscores the SIU’s commitment to protecting public funds and ensuring accountability. Money meant to uplift South Africans through skills development will now be returned to the NSF, reinforcing the principle that corruption and maladministration will not go unchallenged.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has issued a call for nominations of suitable people to be considered for appointment as members of the Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC).

Suitably qualified nominated members will replace all current council members, whose terms have and will expire in 2026, in accordance with the Agricultural Produce Agents Act 12 of 1992.

The Agricultural Produce Agents Council is mandated to regulate the occupations of fresh produce, export, and livestock agents. The Council also works to uphold the integrity, status, and professionalism of these sectors.

Nominations are invited for candidates to represent the following sectors:
•    Fresh Produce Producers (2);
•    Fresh Produce Agents (3);
•    Livestock Producers (2);
•    Livestock Agents (3);
•    Export Agents (3);
•    Department of Agriculture (1);
•    Ministerial Appointments (2); and
•    Consumer Representatives (2).

Nominees must clearly indicate the category for which they are being nominated.

Each nomination must include a written acceptance by the nominee, together with a certified copy of the nominee’s identity document, a comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV), documentary proof of all qualifications, and a declaration confirming that the nominee is not disqualified from serving on the Council in terms of Section 3(7) of the Act

Additional considerations

Efforts to promote diversity, particularly in terms of race and gender representation, are strongly encouraged.

Appointed members will serve for a maximum term of three years, as stipulated in Section 3(1) of the Act.

Members will receive remuneration or allowances from the funds of the Council, as determined by the Council.

Successful candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks, including verification of citizenship, criminal records, qualifications, financial asset/record check, and employment verification.

Nominations must be submitted on or before 24 April 2026 to:
Department of Agriculture
Sefala Building, Office 118 or 210
503 Belvedere Street
Arcadia, Pretoria

Hand delivery nominations should be clearly marked for the attention of Ms F Makinta at 012 319 8456 and Ms J Mabuso 012 319 8123, or email APACnominations@nda.gov.za 

“Those who previously submitted nominations are requested to resubmit their candidates,” the department said.  – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday visit Eskom’s Kusile Power Station in Nkangala District Municipality, Mpumalanga.

Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, as well as Eskom management, will accompany the President during the visit.

“This visit allows the President to witness progress made in restoring the nation’s energy security.

“The President will be provided with a comprehensive operational briefing from Eskom’s leadership and technical teams. The briefing will highlight the tangible advancements towards enhanced generation capacity,” the Presidency said in a statement.

In September last year, the power station’s unit 6 reached commercial operation, adding some 800MW to the grid and strengthening energy security.

“The President’s visit will affirm the dedication shown by the engineers, technicians, and workers at Kusile Power Station who were instrumental in the Eskom generation recovery efforts.

“The President will interact with all Eskom Power Station General Managers at the event,” the statement read.

Powering the nation

The commercial operation of Kusile Unit 6 marked the end to the power utility’s Build Programme which included the Medupi Power Station.

At the time, the Department of Electricity and Energy hailed the commercialisation, describing it as a “testament to overcoming intricate challenges within one of South Africa’s most ambitious construction projects”.

“With the combined output of Kusile and Medupi Power Stations now reaching 9 600MW, we are significantly enhancing our baseload electricity supply and reinforcing South Africa’s position as a leader in energy generation capacity across the continent.

“This achievement is a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to energy security, noting that energy is an engine and strategic driver for economic recovery and development critical for job creation and alleviation of poverty and inequality in our country.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the engineers, contractors, and all stakeholders involved in ensuring that we finally reach this monumental accomplishment,” the department said.

Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane noted that both Medupi and Kusile continue to play a pivotal role in South Africa’s energy security.

“Medupi and Kusile will remain central to South Africa’s electricity supply for many years to come. Both stations are designed for an operational lifespan of approximately 50 years. 

“As we celebrate this milestone, we are also accelerating efforts to expand our renewable energy portfolio to complement our baseload infrastructure. This is part of our broader strategy to repower the grid and reduce overall emissions,” Marokane said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi has extended condolences to the family and friends of Judge Taswell Papier of the Western Cape Division of the High Court.

Papier died on Tuesday at the age of 64.

Kubayi said: “His work, both during and after apartheid, leaves a lasting legacy in strengthening the rule of law and promoting human dignity. South Africa has lost a dedicated jurist, a compassionate leader, and a servant of justice.”

Papier is a product of the University of the Western Cape, where he studied law during the 1980s and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Human Rights Law at Harvard University.

“The Minister pays tribute to Judge Papier’s life, noting that he distinguished himself through selfless service to the people of South Africa and a steadfast commitment to the advancement of justice.

“She further highlights that, despite his exceptional credentials in human rights law, Judge Papier could have pursued opportunities at the highest levels globally.

“Instead, he chose to pioneer pro bono legal services and to serve the communities of Mitchell’s Plain and other vulnerable groups, including students and activists during apartheid. This, the Minister notes, reflected his deep sense of duty and dedication to service,” the department said.

Kubayi commended Papier for his service on the bench, noting that it was characterised by “integrity and distinction, presiding over important matters that contributed to the development of constitutional democracy, administrative justice and equality before the law”.

“In addition, the Minister recognises his commitment to mentorship, noting his willingness to guide and support young legal practitioners.

“The Minister joins many in paying tribute to Judge Papier’s contribution to the legal profession and to the transformation of the judiciary,” the department stated. – SAnews.gov.za

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