Category: South Africa Government

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Free State entrepreneurs encouraged to apply for support incentives

Source: Government of South Africa

The Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) has urged spaza shop owners, informal business traders, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), including Cooperatives, to apply for online funding incentives.

This follows the commitment made during the tabling of the department’s 2025/26 Budget Vote Speech.

“In less than a month after the tabling of the departmental Budget Vote, we deliver on what we promised to the business community of the Free State. 

“We are committed to ensuring that MSMEs have access to strategic resources, such as skills, knowledge, network, and access to finance, amongst others, that will enable them to nurture their innovative ideas.

“The incentives are aimed at providing financial and non-financial support for businesses to remain sustainable, acquire production equipment and machinery to create more jobs, and improve the township economy,” the department said in a statement.

The applications window period outlining the processes and the required documents will be opened and accessible from Friday, 11 July 2025 to 21 July 2025 on https://client.fsdestea.kwantu.me/.
 

The department has designed the following three incentives:

1) Spaza Shop Support Incentive

•            This funding incentive is targeted at informal traders and spaza shops with an annual turnover of less than R1 million. 

•            In this category, the enterprises will be supported with equipment, upgrade of business premises, training and stock to a maximum of R100 000.

Documents needed for applications and other requirements:

•            Identity Document (ID);

•            Municipal business permit;

•            Proof of address;

•            51% or higher black-owned or managed business, and 

•            Applicant must be a South African citizen residing in the Free State.

2) Small Enterprise Support

•            This specific funding focuses on small businesses with a turnover of less than R10 million.

•            Enterprises will be assisted with a financial injection amounting to a maximum of R250 000, as per the business requirements.

•            This category’s critical areas are general retail, manufacturing, agro-processing, aquaculture, travel/accommodation/lodging/hospitality, waste economy, automative repairs, digital technologies, health and beauty.

3) Medium Enterprise Support

•            The category is targeted at medium-sized enterprises. 

•            It is aimed at providing expansion capital and co-funding contribution on behalf of the applicant to developmental funding institutions (DFIs) or commercial banks to a maximum amount of R1 million.

•            Sectors falling under this category are chemicals, pharmaceuticals, automotive, green energy, manufacturing, agro-processing, clothing/textiles/footwear and leather (CTFL), hospitality and digital technologies.
 

Makume said the department aims to promote and facilitate financial as well as non-financial support to enhance financial inclusion by increasing access to finance for women, youth, and people with disabilities, township and rural entrepreneurs. 

“Our MSMEs incentive is a unique fund that is meant to mainly address a particular gap in the funding landscape. It includes funding for business expansion.”
 

What applicants can expect

Successful applicants will have to enter into a funding agreement with the department.

It is also important to note that clients who still owe the department invoices for the previous funding, including those who have received letters of demand from the department, will not be considered for funding.

For more information, please contact the following officials:

* Spaza Shop Support Incentive: Ms Moipone Mohono on 082 559 7944.

* Small Enterprise Support Incentive: Ms Tshidi Maleka on 066 051 1279.

* Medium Enterprise Support: Ms Nnana Matlepe on 082 443 5513.

* Industrialisation Support: Ms Portia Nyokong on 082 828 0259.

Failure to comply with the qualifying criteria will result in automatic disqualification from funding consideration. – SAnews.gov.za

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SIU obtains R67m recovery order against Public Works plumbing contractor

Source: Government of South Africa

SIU obtains R67m recovery order against Public Works plumbing contractor

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a recovery order of R67 million against a plumbing contractor associated with the Department of Public Works, preventing a potential loss of R33 million. 

This action follows the Special Tribunal’s review, which led to the cancellation of contracts totaling R67 million that were awarded to Kroucamp Plumbers between 2015 and 2019. 

These contracts were for services related to vacuum pumping of septic tanks and emergency interventions for sewage blockages.

“The Tribunal has declared these contracts invalid and unlawful and has ordered the service provider to refund the funds received from the department in relation to these contracts,” a statement from the SIU read. 

According to the SIU, the comprehensive financial recovery includes R46.6 million from invalid 2015 to 2017 contracts, and R20 million from unlawful 2017 to 2019 tenders.

The Tribunal also dismissed a counterclaim of R33 million, which Kroucamp Plumbers had submitted against the department.

“This counterclaim was effectively contested by the SIU, resulting in a favourable outcome for the department.” 

The order follows an investigation conducted by the SIU, which uncovered a complex network of corruption involving falsified bidding documents, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and payments made to officials who manipulated the tendering process.

“The investigation revealed that Kroucamp Plumbers misrepresented its Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) status, submitted incomplete bidding information, and colluded with departmental officials to secure contracts totalling millions of rands.”

In addition, the Tribunal determined that the company’s Director, Johannes Jacobus Kroucamp, exploited the corporate structure for personal gain, thereby jeopardising the interests of the State.

“Judge David Makhoba emphasised the gravity of the misconduct, indicating that the tenders breached constitutional procurement regulations and eroded public trust. 

“The ruling annuls both contracts and revokes the juristic personality of Kroucamp Plumbers, requiring the company to compensate the State for the financial losses incurred. Consequently, Mr Kroucamp may be held personally accountable for the company’s debts owed to the State,” the statement said.

The SIU conducted its investigation into the Kroucamp Plumbers corruption case under Proclamation R20 of 2018. 

“This proclamation authorised the SIU to investigate allegations of serious maladministration, improper conduct, and corruption in the awarding of tenders by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.”

The SIU explained that it is also empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to address any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations related to corruption, fraud or maladministration.

In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence of criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

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Gauteng Education allocates funds to schools 

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng Education allocates funds to schools 

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has confirmed that it has provided the necessary funds to all schools for payment of their respective municipal billing accounts.

In a statement on Thursday, the provincial department said the funds were transferred to the accounts of all identified schools in June 2025.

“The Department wishes to reiterate that, in line with legislation, schools – specifically those granted Section 21 functions – are entrusted with managing their own finances. These schools are responsible for a range of functions, including the payment of municipal services such as electricity and water,” it said.

Once funds have been transferred, the schools and their respective School Governing Body (SGB) assume full responsibility in ensuring that their municipal accounts are settled and paid on time to avoid water and electricity cuts.

In addition to allocating funds, the GDE provides oversight and support to these schools, having previously settled outstanding accounts on behalf of schools in April 2025. The department also provides financial management training to schools and SGBs to convey and educate on the importance of compliance of all relevant financial processes.

It further added that it remains committed to maintaining a conducive learning and teaching environment in all schools and continues to work with school leadership structures to ensure sound financial governance and uninterrupted access to basic services in its institutions.

“No public school in Gauteng is currently, or will ever be, disconnected from water and electricity services now and in the near future. Schools must work hand in hand with the GDE to continue achieving this by ensuring their municipal accounts are up to date at all times, and that they comply to all necessary procedures,” said Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane.

The MEC called on parents, communities, and stakeholders to support schools and their School Governing Bodies in executing their duties not just responsibly; but to the benefit of all learners, educators, and school-based staff. –SAnews.gov.za

 

Neo

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SA participates in 47th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council

Source: Government of South Africa

SA participates in 47th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, is in  Equatorial Guinea where he is leading South Africa’s delegation at the 47th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Executive Council. 

The session which is underway in Malabo, began on Thursday, 10 July 2025.

According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the Council will consider and adopt the AU budget for the 2026 period.

“The budget is a key enabler for the AU to address challenges facing the continent, ensuring Africa’s continued resilience and the sustenance of the AU Commission, which is the key implementing agent for AU decisions,” the statement read.

 The Council is expected to elect and appoint two outstanding Commissioners for Economic Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM) and for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI).

The department announced that the Minister will take this opportunity to inform his counterparts about the progress made during South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency.

The G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, scheduled for November 2025, represents an opportunity to amplify Africa’s voice on the global stage.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s participation during this Ordinary Session of the Executive Council is rooted in its commitment to strengthening the AU and its organs. 

“We aim to ensure our union effectively pursues the noble aspiration of Silencing the Guns by 2030; the accelerated implementation of the second Ten-Year Plan of Agenda 2063, which embodies our collective vision for prosperity; and the robust advancement of the African Continental Free Trade Area,” Lamola explained.

Beyond the formal agenda, the department said the Minister will seek to foster deeper solidarity by holding bilateral meetings with his counterparts aimed at exchanging views on issues of mutual interest.

The meeting will conclude on Friday, 11 July 2025.
– SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile

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President Ramaphosa to meet with the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will be holding his inaugural meeting with members of the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group at the Union Buildings on Friday, 11 July 2025.

The President announced the appointment of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) to guide and champion the National Dialogue.

The EPG consists of prominent individuals in society with a proven commitment to the advancement of social cohesion and nation-building. The Eminent Persons are drawn from across the country and from many fields of endeavour in our public life.

The meeting is an opportunity for the President to outline the expectations and mandate of the Eminent Persons Group, and for EPG members to share their views on the role and organisation of the National Dialogue.

The EPG will receive a briefing from the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team on progress towards the first National Convention on 15 August 2025. The Preparatory Task Team, which is made up of representatives of a number of Foundations, civil society organisations and the Presidency, is responsible for the practical arrangements of the National Dialogue until a representative Steering Committee has been established.

Members of the media are invited to cover the opening remarks by President Ramaphosa and for interviews with members of the EPG.

The details of the meeting are:

Date: Friday, 11 July 2025
Time: 10h30 (media to arrive at 09h30)
Venue: Union Buildings, Pretoria

Members of the media wishing to attend are requested to send their details to Makungu Mbetse on Makungu@presidency.gov.za by no later than 18h00 Thursday, 10 July 2025. NO LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Media enquiries:

The Presidency: Vincent Magwenya. Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa, on Media@Presidency.gov.za 

National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team: Anga Jamela on Anga@mbeki.org.za / +27 82 671 5764

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa to brief the nation on national security matters

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Sunday, 13 July 2025, address the nation on developments arising from a public statement by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, that details allegations against senior political and South African Police Service leadership.

President Ramaphosa was attending the BRICS Summit in Brazil on Sunday, 6 July 2025, when General Mkhwanazi outlined numerous allegations at a media briefing.

The President undertook to attend to this development on his return from Brazil, in view of the implications for national security.

President Ramaphosa has been seized with this matter in recent days and will, following various consultations, take the nation into his confidence at 19h00 on Sunday, 13 July 2025.

The President’s message will be broadcast and streamed on various platforms.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa to address the nation on security matters 

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, July 10, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to brief the nation on national security matters on Sunday, the Presidency has announced.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Sunday, 13 July 2025, address the nation on developments arising from a public statement by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that details allegations against senior political and South African Police Service leadership,” the Presidency said on Thursday.

President Ramaphosa was attending a BRICS summit in Brazil on Sunday, 6 July 2025, when General Mkhwanazi outlined numerous allegations at a media briefing.

“The President undertook to attend to this development on his return from Brazil, in view of the implications for national security.

“President Ramaphosa has been seized with this matter in recent days and will, following various consultations, take the nation into his confidence at 19h00 on Sunday, 13 July 2025,” it said. 

The President’s message will be broadcast and streamed on various platforms. – SAnews.gov.za

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Countries urged to urgently step up to transform their HIV responses amid global funding crisis

Source: Government of South Africa

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/Aids (UNAIDS) has today released a report that highlights a significant funding crisis threatening years of progress in the fight against HIV/Aids. 

The 2025 Global Aids Update report titled, ’Aids, Crisis and the Power to Transform’, emphasises the urgent need for countries to implement radical changes in their HIV programming and funding strategies.

The report highlights the impact that the sudden, large-scale funding cuts from international donors are having on countries most affected by HIV. Yet, it also showcases some inspiring examples of resilience, with countries and communities stepping up in the face of adversity to protect the gains made and drive the HIV response forward.

Some 25 of the 60 low and middle-income countries included in the report have indicated increases in domestic budgets for their HIV responses in 2026. 

The estimated collective rise among the 25 countries amounts to 8% over current levels, translating to approximately US$180 million in additional domestic resources. 

“This is promising, but not sufficient to replace the scale of international funding in countries that are heavily reliant,” the report says.

Global emergency

Although there was significant progress in the HIV response in 2024, UNAIDS reported that a weakening consensus on aid and substantial, sudden funding shortfalls in 2025 caused widespread disruptions in health systems. 

These challenges led to cuts in frontline health workers, halted HIV prevention programmes, and jeopardised HIV treatment services.

According to data, in Mozambique alone, over 30 000 health personnel were affected. In Nigeria, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiation has plummeted from 40 000 to 6 000 people per month.

If United States-supported HIV treatment and prevention services collapse entirely, UNAIDS estimates that an additional six million new HIV infections and four million additional Aids-related deaths could occur between 2025 and 2029.

“This is not just a funding gap – it’s a ticking time bomb. 

“We have seen services vanish overnight. Health workers have been sent home, and people, especially children and key populations, are being pushed out of care,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima.

Even before the large-scale service disruptions, the reported data for 2024 shows that 9.2 million people living with HIV were still not accessing life-saving treatment services last year. 

Among those were 620 000 children aged zero to 14 years living with HIV but not on treatment, which contributed to 75 000 AIDS-related deaths among children in 2024.

In 2024, 630 000 people died from Aids-related causes, 61% of them in sub-Saharan Africa. Over 210 000 adolescent girls and young women, aged 15 to 24, acquired HIV in 2024 – an average of 570 new infections every day.

UNAIDS said HIV prevention services are severely disrupted, while community-led services, which are vital to reaching marginalised populations, are being defunded at alarming rates. 

In early 2025, the organisation said over 60% of women-led HIV organisations surveyed had lost funding or were forced to suspend services. 

The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) reached 2.3 million adolescent girls and young women with comprehensive HIV prevention services in 2024 and enabled 2.5 million people to use HIV PrEP – many of these programmes have now stopped completely.

“Meanwhile, the rise in punitive laws criminalising same-sex relationships, gender identity, and drug use is amplifying the crisis, making HIV services inaccessible,” UNAIDS said.

Beacon of hope

UNAIDS said South Africa currently funds 77% of its AIDS response, and its 2025 budget review includes a 5.9% annual increase in health expenditure over the next three years, including a 3.3% annual increase for HIV and tuberculosis programmes.

The South African government intends to finance the development of a patient information system, a centralised chronic medicine dispensing and distribution system, and a facility medicine stock surveillance system.

Meanwhile, as of December 2024, seven countries – Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Rwanda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe – had achieved the 95-95-95 targets: 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment are virally suppressed. 

The report also highlights the emergence of unprecedented, highly effective new prevention tools like long-acting injectable PrEP, including lenacapavir, which has shown near-complete efficacy in clinical trials, though affordability and access remain key challenges.

Byanyima believes there is still time to transform this crisis into an opportunity. 

“Countries are stepping up with domestic funding. Communities are showing what works. We now need global solidarity to match their courage and resilience.”

A call for solidarity

The 2025 Global AIDS Update ends with a call for the international community to unite in addressing the financing gap. 

It urges support for countries to close the remaining gaps in HIV prevention and treatment services, eliminate legal and social barriers, and empower communities to take the lead moving forward.

UNAIDS emphasised that every dollar invested in the HIV response not only saves lives but also strengthens health systems and promotes broader development goals. 

Since the start of the epidemic, 26.9 million deaths have been averted through treatment, and 4.4 million children have been protected from HIV infection through vertical transmission prevention.

“In a time of crisis, the world must choose transformation over retreat. Together, we can still end Aids as a public health threat by 2030 – if we act with urgency, unity, and unwavering commitment,” Byanyima said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Operation Vulindlela: Sustained progress in the economic reform agenda

Source: Government of South Africa

The Presidency and National Treasury have released a quarterly progress report for Q1 2025/26 on the implementation of economic reform through Operation Vulindlela. 

This report is the first to be released since the launch of Phase II of Operation Vulindlela this year. 

Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury which aims to achieve more rapid and inclusive economic growth through a programme of far-reaching economic reform. 

Phase I of Operation Vulindlela focused on unlocking progress in five priority areas: electricity, freight logistics, water, telecommunications, and the visa system. These reforms were selected for their high potential to catalyse investment, enhance economic competitiveness, and create jobs. 

Phase II represents a second wave of structural reform aimed at unlocking more rapid, inclusive, and sustained economic growth. 

While continuing to drive implementation of reforms initiated during Phase I, the second phase introduces new focus areas that respond to evolving challenges in the economy. 

“The report released today demonstrates sustained progress in the economic reform agenda, which serves as a counter to strong economic headwinds. 

“Key milestones during the past quarter include the publication of a Ministerial Determination and associated regulations to enable the first round of Independent Transmission Projects, as well as a Request for Information for major private sector participation (PSP) projects in the freight logistics sector. 

“Progress has also been made in the new areas of reform included in Phase II, with a comprehensive review of the White Paper on Local Government to reform the local government system and the introduction of a performance-based financing mechanism to support the reform of municipal water and electricity services. 

“The Digital Transformation Roadmap has been approved by Cabinet and is in implementation, with the development of a digital identity system and other core elements of the roadmap already advanced,” said a statement.

Further details on progress in each of the reform areas is available in the full report, at Operation Vulindlela Progress Report Q1 2025-26.pdf. – SAnews.gov.za

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Conviction of examiner, driving school instructor welcomed

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, July 10, 2025

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has welcomed the conviction of a KwaZulu-Natal examiner and a driving school instructor in a case that exposed serious breaches of integrity within the driving licence issuing sector.

Sandile Ndlovu, a Mooi River-based examiner, was found guilty of fraud and conspiracy to commit corruption on 8 July 2025 in the Durban Specialised Crime Court after it was discovered that he had fraudulently issued a learner licence to someone who had not written the required examination.

Ndlovu was arrested in 2016 following complaints received by the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU), a division of the RTMC. 

The unit worked with the KwaZulu-Natal South African Police Crime Intelligence Unit and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) anti-corruption unit to investigate the complaints.

“It was found that Mr Ndlovu conspired with Ms Zandile Dlamini, a driving school instructor, to have a learner licence issued on the payment of R 3000 inducement. Dlamini was also convicted for her role in facilitating the misconduct by accepting an unlawful benefit for the crime,” said the RTMC in a statement.

The corporation said these actions not only violated the trust placed in public servants but also compromised the integrity of a system meant to ensure competence and accountability within road traffic law enforcement.

The matter has been postponed to 29 August 2025 to allow for the preparation of pre-sentence reports. 

During the sentencing phase, the State is expected to call additional witnesses to highlight the impact of these actions on road safety and the broader public service.

“The RTMC considers this case a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to clean up traffic enforcement services and promote a culture of ethical conduct. 

“We fully support the work of the courts and prosecuting authorities in holding those who abuse public systems accountable. The fight against fraud and corruption remains one of our top priorities, and we will continue working closely with all stakeholders to protect the integrity of road traffic management in South Africa,” said the RTMC.

Members of the public can report suspected acts of fraud, corruption, and malfeasance to ntacu@rtmc.co.za or by WhatsApp to 083 293 7989. – SAnews.gov.za