The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has activated its disaster management teams in response to severe cold front and associated weather conditions that have struck the province since Monday, 9 June 2025.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the provincial government confirmed that emergency response teams have been dispatched to various areas and are working around the clock to provide critical support to communities impacted by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and snowfall.
The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Alert Level 6, warning of disruptive snowfall in high-lying regions of the province, potential road closures, flooding, and possible power interruptions.
Several roads have been affected by the heavy rains, including the R61 from Umthatha to Ngcobo and N2 to Kokstad near Emakhaphetshwini outside Umthatha. Damages have also been reported in homes in the OR Tambo, Joe Gqabi, Sarah Baartman Districts and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
Rescue teams were dispatched to bolster rescue efforts just along the R61 outside Mthatha, where three children were stuck on a tree. The children have since been rescued.
The provincial government also confirmed that roads such as Wapadsberg Pass, along the R61 between Nxuba and Graaff-Reinet, have been blanketed in snow, prompting a warning to motorists to drive with extreme caution.
“The provincial government’s primary objective is to safeguard lives and infrastructure during this extreme weather event. Community members are advised to remain alert, monitor official updates, and strictly follow safety directives,” the provincial government said.
Eastern Cape Premier, Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, has urged all motorists to exercise extreme caution and avoid non-essential traveling, as well as travelling through flood-prone and mountainous areas.
He also urged citizens to immediately report hazards, such as downed power lines and road accidents to the nearest authorities.
“Our disaster teams are on high alert and ready to respond wherever assistance is needed. We urge the public to stay cautious and prioritise safety above all else.
“Government is fully mobilised, coordinating closely with local municipalities and emergency services to manage the impact of the weather system and support those affected,” Mabuyane said. – SAnews.gov.za
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a National Convention on Friday, the 15th of August 2025, which will represent the diversity of the South African nation and set the agenda for the National Dialogue.
The National Dialogue is an initiative that has been in discussion by a number of leaders in the country and many other people for some time now.
“This National Convention will represent the diversity of the South African nation. The first National Convention will set the agenda for the National Dialogue.
“It will be a representative gathering, bringing together government, political parties, civil society, business, labour, traditional leaders, religious leaders, cultural workers, sports organisations, women, youth and community voices, among others,” the President said on Tuesday.
The initiative has been gathering support and enthusiasm since it was proposed last year and has been endorsed by a wide range of formations across society.
Over the last few months, government has been engaged in discussions with various entities on the purpose and the form of the dialogue.
WATCH | Announcement of the National Dialogue
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“In the wake of these consultations, there is broad agreement that given the challenges our country is facing at the moment, we should convene the National Dialogue. The idea of holding a dialogue is not a new concept in our country. In many ways having dialogues is part of our DNA as a nation.
“At every important moment in the history of our country, we have come together as a nation to confront our challenges and forge a path into the future in dialogue with one another. Through dialogue we were able to deal with the challenges that the apartheid system caused in our country and achieved peace and overcame violence. We established a democracy and ended apartheid,” the President said.
Following the negotiations process, he explained that dialogue was used to start building a united nation where once there had only been conflict and division.
He said the country achieved all this because everyone came together in dialogue to discuss difficulties, concerns, hopes and inspiration as a people. The country has worked together for more than 30 years to realise the promise of a democratic Constitution.
Challenges
Additionally, progress has been made in expanding freedom, deepening democracy, and improving the lives of millions, while also recognising the persistent challenges that remain. Poverty, unemployment and inequality are “deep wounds” that prevent the nation and country from reaching its full potential.
“Millions of people are under-employed and unemployed. Many of those who work earn wages that cannot sustain them or their families. Crime, gender-based violence and corruption are prevalent across our society.
“We are therefore called upon at this moment to direct all our efforts to build a thriving, inclusive economy that creates jobs and opportunities. We are called upon to build safer communities and to create a better future for our children.
“We are also called upon to give all sectors of our society – men and women, young and old, persons with disabilities, LGBTQI [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex] community, and urban and rural people – a voice to determine how we address the problems of today and build the South Africa we want for future generations. That is why we have agreed to convene an inclusive National Dialogue,” he said.
Shared vision
The dialogue will be a people-led, society-wide process to reflect on the state of the country in order to reimagine the future.
“Through the National Dialogue, we seek a shared vision of what it means to be a South African and develop a new national ethos and common value system.
“It is an opportunity to forge a new social compact for the development of our country, a compact that will unite all South Africans, with clear responsibilities for different stakeholders, government, business, labour, civil society, men and women, communities and citizens,” the President said.
The dialogue is expected to accelerate progress towards Vision 2030 and help lay the groundwork for the next phase of the National Development Plan.
He emphasised that the dialogue is not a single event, but rather a phased, participatory process beginning with local consultations and sector-specific discussions and culminating in provincial and national engagements.
Through various political, social and other formations, in workplaces, places of worship, communities, villages and sites of learning, South Africans will in the months following the National Convention be encouraged to be in dialogue to define the nation’s path into the future.
“The views, concerns and proposals that will emerge from this conversation will be brought together at a second National Convention, that is planned to be held in the beginning of next year.
“This second National Convention will reinforce our shared values and adopt a common vision and programme of action for our country into the future,” he said.
The President said he expects that the National Convention will finalise a compact that outlines the roles and responsibilities of all South Africans.
Eminent Persons Group
To guide and champion the National Dialogue, the President has appointed an Eminent Persons Group.
He said these are leading figures in society, reflecting the country’s diversity with a proven commitment to the advancement of social cohesion and nation-building.
The members of the group are: • Dr Brigalia Bam, former Independent Electoral Commission Chairperson, • Mr Robbie Brozin, entrepreneur and business person, • Judge Edwin Cameron, former Constitutional Court judge, • Mr Manne Dipico, former Northern Cape Premier, • Dr Desiree Ellis, Banyana Banyana coach and football legend, • Ms Ela Gandhi, peace activist and stalwart, • Prof Nomboniso Gasa, researcher and rural activist, • Mr Bobby Godsell, business leader, • Dr John Kani, award-winning actor, • Mr Siya Kolisi, Springbok captain and world champion, • Ms Mia le Roux, Miss South Africa 2024, • His Grace Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane, leader of the Zion Christian Church, • His Grace Bishop Engenas Lekganyane, leader of the St Engenas Zion Christian Church, • The Most Reverend Thabo Makgoba, Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, • Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, Chairperson of the National Planning Commission, • Dr Barbara Masekela, poet, educator and stalwart, • Ms Lindiwe Mazibuko, former Member of Parliament, • Mr Roelf Meyer, former Minister and constitutional negotiator, • Ms Gcina Mhlope, storyteller, writer and actor, • Ms Nompendulo Mkhatshwa, student activist and former Member of Parliament, • Ms Kgothatso Montjane, Grand Slam tennis champion, • Prof Harry Ranwedzi Nengwekhulu, former activist and educationist, • Mr Bheki Ntshalintshali, unionist and former COSATU General Secretary, • Hosi Phylia Nwamitwa, traditional leader, • Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo, chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, • Dr Gloria Serobe, business leader, • Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of the Gift of the Givers, • Prof Derrick Swartz, academic, • Ms Lorato Trok, author and early literacy expert, • Mr Sibusiso Vilane, mountaineer and adventurer, • Mr Siyabulela Xuza, award-winning rocket scientist.
The President added that UBaba uShembe uNyazi LweZulu has also been invited to join the Eminent Persons Group, but, as he is travelling, has not yet been able to confirm his availability.
“I am grateful to each of these South African patriots who have made themselves available to act as the guarantors of an inclusive, constructive and credible process,” he said.
IMC
An Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) has been established under the chairpersonship of Deputy President Paul Mashatile to coordinate government’s contribution to the National Dialogue.
The President said a Steering Committee will be established, comprised of representatives of various sectors of society, to set strategic priorities and coordinate implementation of the dialogue process.
The Secretariat, which is responsible for day-to-day management of National Dialogue activities, will be housed at NEDLAC, the National Economic Development and Labour Council.
“As a nation, we are embarking on a new path of partnership and united action. We are drawing on our traditions of dialogue and debate. We are determined to define a shared vision of a nation which belongs to all South Africans united in their diversity,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
Mop-up operations are underway in KwaZulu-Natal following severe snowfall, which caused disruptions to major routes and damaged infrastructure.
Giving an update on the snowfall response measures, following the closure of the N2 highway around Kokstad and Port Shepstone on Tuesday, KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, commended the coordinated efforts of motor grader operators and the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), who worked around the clock to ensure the free traffic flow.
Duma said the department on Tuesday set a target to remove the snow that blanketed the N2 (R56) along the route from Port Shepstone, Kokstad and Eastern Cape.
“Importantly, I gave the team from the Pietermaritzburg Region a mandate to remove the snow before it could accumulate to above 30 cm. They have done exactly that and in record time. This is a historic achievement that inspires us to do more for the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” Duma said.
Snowfall response measures
In anticipation of severe weather, the province activated its comprehensive snowfall response plan following alerts from the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
Measures included:
• The Road Safety and Traffic Inspectorate involved in the coordination of possible road closures and observation of major routes in consultation with N3 Toll Concession. The focus is on N2, Kokstad and Port Shepstone, N3 between Harrismith, Tugela Toll, R617 between Kokstad and Underberg, Ingeli and N3 Mooi-River, and others. • Drivers of motor graders sharpened to respond with speed and a sense of urgency to remove any snow before it accumulates to more than 30cm in depth on the road. More than 10 graders to be stationed on identified routes to ensure that the response is faster. • The provincial government interacted with the South African Weather Service to ensure that the response is based on authentic information.
Duma said t the province has applied lessons learned during last year’s snowfall that was triggered by the cut-off low-pressure system.
However, despite these efforts, he said several motorists, including trucks and luxury buses, became stuck along the N2 in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
“We continue to plead with members of the public to heed the warning from the SA Weather Service. If you are asked to delay your trips, please do so in order to save your life. Prevention is better than cure,” Duma said.
District municipalities road conditions
The Department of Transport also provided an update on the status of roads across various district municipalities: • eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality: All roads are open. No effect from adverse weather. Experiencing heavy wind on the coastal area. • Ilembe District Municipality: All roads are open. No effect from adverse weather. Experiencing heavy wind on coastal area at this time. • uMgungundlovu District Municipality: All roads are open. No effect from adverse weather. Experiencing heavy Berg winds currently. • Umkhanyakude District Municipality: All roads are open. Experiencing windy conditions. The main concern is a fallen tree on the road at R22, Section 2, which was reported last night. Our standby team responded promptly and removed the tree. The rehabilitation contracts are proceeding smoothly with only day closures currently in place. • Zululand District Municipality: No issues have been reported, and the patrol teams are actively monitoring the route. • King Cetshwayo District Municipality: All seems to be in order for now. The patrol teams are inspecting the route. • N2 Ugu District Municipality: Rain with strong winds. Fallen trees are being attended by Routine Road Management (RRM). No major issues to report on the N2 towards Port Edward and N2 towards Harding. • Harry Gwala District Municipality: The N2 from Ingeli towards Kokstad triangle is closed due to the snow. N2 from Kokstad triangle (Kokstad Bridge project) towards Brooksnek is also closed due to snow. • Amajuba District Municipality: N11-3 and 4 is clear. Just very high, icy winds prevailing. • Uthukela District Municipality: N11-1 and 2 are clear. Just very high, icy winds prevailing. Snow on the Drakensberg but not effecting any roads. • Umzinyathi District Municipality: N11-3 clear. Just very high, icy winds prevailing.
“There is rain and strong winds in Umzimkhulu and Ixopo. uMzimkhulu RTI and RRM closed the road on the N2 Stafford Post (Umzimkhulu area) because motorists are not heeding snow warnings and trying to go through despite the snow in Beesterkraal,” Duma said. – SAnews.gov.za
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has hailed former Judge President of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Justice Clement Temba Sangoni’s contribution to the law fraternity following his passing.
He passed away on Tuesday at the age of 78, following a short illness.
Sangoni also served as a senior traditional leader of the Qokolweni-Zimbane Traditional Council in Mthatha, in the Eastern Cape.
“His passing is a profound loss, not only to the justice system, but also to the nation, especially to the people under the Qokolweni-Zimbane Traditional Council, whom he served with distinction and dedication, and who will remember him for his unwavering commitment to justice and community leadership.
“The passing of Justice Sangoni leaves a vacuum in the justice fraternity that can never be filled. His contributions to the judiciary and the country at large will forever be remembered and cherished,” Kubayi said.
Sangoni’s legal career spanned some 40 years and culminated in his appointment as Judge President in the Eastern Cape High Court in 2010 – a position he held until his retirement in 2017.
“Justice Sangoni passes away at a critical time as South Africa is seized with efforts to expand access to justice. His passing comes as the department intensifies its work on developing Traditional Courts Regulations aimed at transforming existing Traditional Courts to align them with the values and principles of the Constitution.
“Justice Sangoni, whose life and career bridged both the judicial and traditional leadership spheres, would have made a profound contribution to this important work,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za
The passing of former Judge President of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Justice Clement Temba Sangoni, is a “profound loss” to South Africa’s legal heritage.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has expressed his condolences to Sangoni’s family, following the justice’s passing on Tuesday.
“The passing of Justice Sangoni is a devastating loss to his family and immediate community, and it is a profound loss to our judiciary and our legal heritage.
“Judge Sangoni lived for justice and the improvement of the material conditions of communities in the Eastern Cape and elsewhere through constitutionally sound, progressive jurisprudence,” the President said.
He praised Sangoni’s commitment and service to the bench in the Eastern Cape.
“Under his leadership, the Judiciary in the Eastern Cape also applied its mind collectively and individually to matters pertaining to the development of this economically vital province.
“Judge Sangoni served the people of the Eastern Cape from the Bench and through his deep involvement in community life in his role as a traditional leader – a role which enriched his adjudication of a broad range of matters placed before the courts.
“We will continue to appreciate his contribution to the rule of law and the wisdom of law in our country and to the communities in which he lived and served with distinction. May his soul rest in peace,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences to the families of the six people who died as a result of severe weather and flooding in the Eastern Cape.
The province has experienced flooding, windy conditions and snow recently.
The President implored communities to take caution as the severe winter conditions persists.
“While government discharges its responsibilities and services to citizens, we welcome the support we see at times such as this from businesses, community- and faith-based organisations, charities and organisations such as the National Sea Rescue Institute. I thank everyone from all walks of life who are working to keep all of us safe and comfortable this winter.
“This is a time where we need to take care of ourselves in our homes and reach out to neighbours and friends who need help of any kind.
“We also need to exercise caution on our roads when travelling for work or leisure, or as we get out in nature where we may want to see such sights as snowfalls or flooded rivers. We must observe by-laws and regulations that exist to protect us in these conditions,” the President said in his statement on Wednesday.
Furthermore, the President urged communities to stand together during this time.
“We must pull together where disaster strikes and while none of us should evade accountability, we must put problem-solving and collaboration ahead of blame and conflict.
“Our beautiful country is a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable place for all of us for most of the year, but we cannot escape winter’s intensity and our own vulnerability. Let’s show our care for each other this winter and let ubuntu see us through to spring,” President Ramaphosa said.
This as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Level 9 warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms over the eastern half of the Eastern Cape with possible flooding over the OR Tambo District Municipality.
This as the cut-off low system persists over the interior of the country.
Meanwhile, adverse weather has also affected other parts of the country with the N2 around Kokstad and Port Shepstone having been closed due to snowfall.
“To save lives, we have decided to close completely the road between Kokstad and Pietermaritzburg as well as the R603 – Tacoma to Reit. Our message to motorists and snow chasers is that prevention is better than cure,” said KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma.
In addition, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called on motorists to take extra caution when driving on the roads as icy cold weather conditions have gripped the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
The North West Provincial Government ( NWPG) has urged communities to stay vigilant amid severe weather and strong, fire-spreading winds.
“Freezing weather is upon us and an increasing dependence on indoor heating techniques like paraffin stoves, heaters and open fires are likely to be the order of the day,” the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) said in a statement.
Ahead of the start of the icy weather, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, also called for increased vigilance.
“This intense cold front is expected to begin over the weekend and affect large parts of the country,” he said in a statement on Friday.
Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, has proposed the development of a National Biosecurity Compact – shared commitment between government, industry, academia, and civil society to strengthen South Africa’s preparedness and resilience against biological threats.
Speaking at the National Biosecurity Summit 2025, held at the University of Pretoria’s Hatfield Campus on Tuesday, Steenhuisen outlined the objectives of the proposed compact, which aims to coordinate national responses to animal and plant health risks.
“This compact will define baseline vaccine stock levels; clarify roles and responsibilities during outbreaks; embed data-sharing mechanisms and institutional partnerships like the Biosecurity Hub; and provide a framework for coordinated, credible, and timely responses,” Steenhuisen said.
Steenhuisen argued that the initiative is not only about defending against risk, but “it is about enabling growth.”
He said export markets require sanitary and phytosanitary compliance, and they demand evidence of control, traceability, and institutional readiness.
“Strengthening our biosecurity systems opens the door to new trade opportunities, safeguards jobs, and boosts investor confidence in South African agriculture. Biosecurity is not a “nice-to-have”, [but] it is as fundamental to national stability as clean water, reliable electricity, or functioning roads.
“When it works, farmers prosper, food remains affordable, and our exports flourish. When it fails, the consequences are steep—economically, socially, and politically. We have the tools [and] the institutions, and now, we have the momentum,” the Minister said.
The Minister also noted one of the country’s most significant structural weaknesses, vaccine production, highlighting operational backlogs and infrastructure limitations at Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) – the country’s primary vaccine producer.
“We cannot afford to repeat the failures of the past. Vaccines are not a luxury – they are the first line of defence in any biosecurity system, and we will hold OBP accountable.”
To address these challenges, the Minister announced that his office has implemented quarterly performance reviews, brought independent oversight, and is actively investigating diversification options to reduce dependence on a single supplier.
Addressing veterinarian shortage
The Minister also raised concerns about the critical shortage of veterinarians, particularly in the poultry industry and rural areas. “Nationally, we require 400 veterinarians. We currently have around 70 in the public system,” the Minister said.
To close this gap, he said the department is expanding vet training posts, creating rural internships opportunities, and building regional partnerships.
“Through the Biosecurity Hub, we are also mapping career pathways to attract a new generation of animal health professionals.”
Biosecurity Hub at Innovation Africa
Launched in October 2022, the Biosecurity Hub is a joint initiative between the Department of Agriculture, then Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), and Department of Science Technology and Innovation.
The hub is an innovative platform designed to foster collaboration, enhance information sharing, and strengthen our collective capacity to respond to biological threats, not only for South Africa, but potentially across the continent.
It is a strategic outcome aligned with the overarching objectives of the Agricultural Agro-Processing Masterplan (AAPM) and the Decadal Plan. Both these national frameworks emphasise the importance of safeguarding agricultural value chains, promoting sustainable, trade, agro-processing, and ensuring food security utilising also biotechnologically advanced practices. – SAnews.gov.za
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the loss of multiple lives in incidents in the Eastern Cape that have been linked to severe weather conditions.
Six bodies were recovered near Mthatha and another near Tsolo in the Eastern Cape in incidents arising from flooding.
In the aftermath of another incident, three children have been rescued while a number of their fellow learners are missing after the vehicle in which they were travelling to school was swept away by floodwaters near Mthatha.
President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the bereaved families, affected communities and Eastern Cape residents at large.
The President says these incidents and others that may unfold during winter highlights the need for South Africans to display caution, care and cooperation as the worst impacts of winter weather take effect across the country.
Residents, businesses, infrastructure and livestock and wildlife in various provinces are currently affected by the annual, seasonal impacts of winter conditions.
Some of these impacts have claimed lives and remain life-threatening and harmful to businesses and the livelihoods of workers.
President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are with citizens who are affected in diverse ways.
The President assures the nation that national, provincial and municipal authorities – including the National Disaster Management Centre – are giving the requisite attention to crises as they unfold.
President Ramaphosa said: “While government discharges its responsibilities and services to citizens, we welcome the support we see at times such as this from businesses, community- and faith-based organisations, charities and organisations such as the National Sea Rescue Institute.
“I thank everyone from all walks of life who are working to keep all of us safe and comfortable this winter.
“The devastation that comes with nature’s forces demands that we work together as best we can to bring relief to families and communities who need this the most.
“This is a time where we need to take care of ourselves in our homes and reach out to neighbours and friends who need help of any kind.
“We also need to exercise caution on our roads when travelling for work or leisure, or as we get out in nature where we may want to see such sights as snowfalls or flooded rivers.
“We must observe by-laws and regulations that exist to protect us in these conditions.
“We must pull together where disaster strikes and while none of us should evade accountability, we must put problem-solving and collaboration ahead of blame and conflict.
“Our beautiful country is a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable place for all of us for most of the year, but we cannot escape winter’s intensity and our own vulnerability.
“Let’s show our care for each other this winter and let ubuntu see us through to spring.”
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za
It has been five successful years since government introduced a compulsory pre-entry programme for persons applying to be appointed as senior managers in the Public service – the Nyukela (Step-Up) senior management service (SMS) Pre-Entry eLearning course.
The launch of the Nyukela programme in April 2020, offered by the National School of Government (NSG), was a decisive step towards professionalising the Public Service, and towards pushing the boundaries of performance and leadership.
Anyone from within government seeking a promotion, or someone outside the Public Service wishing to join the SMS, must complete the Nyukela programme and pass the necessary assessments before being considered for the post. Nobody will be appointed as a Director, Chief Director, Deputy Director-General (DDG) or Director-General (DG) in the Public Service, without producing a Nyukela certificate. The purpose is to ensure that only those who demonstrate the competencies and mindset needed for optimal performance are entrusted with leadership roles.
Since its inception, 20 436 participants have completed the course, equipping them to take on critical leadership responsibilities. This also demonstrates commitment towards professionalising the Public Service.
Catering for various levels
The NSG is now expanding this initiative to make it more inclusive and tailored to various occupational levels. A special pre-entry programme for the executive management level 15 and 16, the DDGs and DGs as well as special advisors to Ministers and other political executives, will be introduced.
Currently there has been one Nyukela programme for everyone in the SMS and with this new development, the executive managers will have their own programme. The executive Nyukela programme will incorporate more rigorous evaluations to ensure readiness for the complex demands of executive management leadership. The NSG will also extend the Step-Up approach to local government, state-owned entities and security sector institutions.
As we celebrate five successful years of Nyukela, the NSG will continue contributing to the efforts of building a public service staffed by skilled, selfless and honest professionals.
Nyukela is part of a suite of compulsory programmes that have been introduced by the NSG, following approval by Cabinet. These include the following;
Khaedu training and deployment to service delivery sites (salary levels 13 – 16);
Ethics in the Public Service (salary levels 1 – 16);
Managing of Performance in the Public Service (salary levels 6 – 12);
Supply Chain Management for the Public Service (salary levels 9 – 16);
Financial Management Delegations of Authority (salary levels 9 – 16);
Re-orientation in the Public Service (salary levels 1 – 16);
Basic Project Management for the Public Service (6-12); and
Advanced Project Management for the Public Service (6-12)
These courses contribute to the implementation of the National Framework towards Professionalisation of the Public Sector, which promotes a stronger emphasis on merit-based recruitment and appointments, as well as lifelong learning for public servants.
To enrol and complete the Nyukela programme, please register for the self-paced course on the NSG’s website at: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entry-programme
*Prof Busani Ngcaweni is the Principal of the National School of Government
Young professional makes strides in the engineering field
Portia Maposse is one of the country’s young black women who are gradually invading traditionally male-dominated fields.
The 25-year-old is a systems engineer at the Gibela Rail Transport Consortium in Nigel, Gauteng. Gibela is a black economic empowerment (BEE) rail transport consortium comprising Alstom and uBumbano Rail.
It was established in 2013, as a ring-fenced company for the execution of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (PRASA) rolling-stock fleet-renewal programme. This contract is meant to deliver 600 trainsets to PRASA and provide technical support and related services.
PRASA is an entity of the Department of Transport.
She joined Gibela in 2023 as a process manufacturing engineering intern and worked her way up to becoming a systems engineer in 2024, bringing her dream to fruition.
“The journey started in high school. I went to a Technical High school where I chose the Mechanical Technology Stream. Then at the university I pursued Mechanical Engineering. I studied at the University of South Africa (UNISA),” she told SAnews, in a recent interview.
This as SAnews visited the consortium’s train manufacturing facility in Dunnottor, Nigel, in celebration of the Decade of the Artisan with special focus on female artisans.
According to the Department of Higher Education and Training, the campaign aims to encourage more young people (high school learners and unemployed youth) to see artisanship as a career of choice.
The visit formed part of the Government Communication and Information System’s (GCIS) celebrations of 30 Years of Democracy.
Asked about her feelings in working in what is considered a male-dominated industry, she said: “Women are now leading in the industry. The industry caters, protects and accommodates women. Opportunities are endless. Always keep in mind that results matter and that women are more powerful.”
Her job at Gibela entails engaging with suppliers to develop systems in accordance with Gibela specifications, then work with cross-functional teams to integrate the systems into the product which is the train. She also manages the overall systems performance.
“My role aligns with all five values of our company namely, costumer focus and care, innovation, trust and respect, teamwork, and partnership, finally focus and accountability,” she said.
As the only female and the youngest in her team, Maposse is not intimidated by being in the male-dominated industry. “Age is not a disadvantage, and I will not be young forever. Therefore I am embracing this by being open to learning and appreciating the opportunity given to me. Gender has never been an issue. Not once have I felt different in the work setting thanks to the Gibela culture on gender-equality.
“It is important to be confident in your abilities and participate actively in the day-to-day work activities. Moreover, be yourself,” she said.
She advised young women who are not sure about their career choices to follow their passion.
“It is important to be confident in your abilities and participate actively on the day-to-day work activities. Be yourself and maintain confidence.
“Education is key to success. Never stop learning; seek mentorship. Being in positive circles…networking is important in building long term connections within the industry,” she advised.
Asked about her most memorable moments working at Gibela, Maposse said during her induction days, she had the opportunity to witness a train being manufactured from the profile stage up to testing and commissioning.
“It was during the same period that I had my first train ride experience here on site and it was an amazing and unforgettable experience.”
To the young engineer, democracy means a lot as it has enabled her to be where she is today.
“To me democracy means the importance of youth voices in shaping the future of our country [followed by] the right to free education for all. One might ask why? I would say that is the opportunity I had, and it has led me to where I am today.”
Maposse says she would want to be remembered as a team player that has contributed to the success of Gibela project through innovation and fostering a collaborative environment.
Gibela has a staff compliment of over 1 200 with women making 43% of the workforce.
Gibela’s vision is to elevate South Africa’s commuter rail as the transport mode of choice. – SAnews.gov.za
