Category: South Africa Government

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Over 200 SANDF troops return from DRC mission

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, has welcomed the return of 249 South African troops who were deployed to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).

The first group of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) heroes and heroines arrived at the Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria on Friday from Tanzania, following South Africa’s phased withdrawal from the regional peacekeeping mission.

“The idea of seeing our soldiers in good spirits and genuinely excited to be home not only speaks volumes of their unwavering patriotism but is also a powerful expression of their steadfast commitment to defend the territorial integrity of the Republic and support its people – a constitutional mandate every member of the South African National Defence Force lives and serves by,” Motshekga said.

The withdrawal of the soldiers was announced by the Minister in May, following a “high level consultation with several role-players in the peacekeeping efforts within the eastern DRC”.

Earlier this year, 14 troop members lost their lives and others sustained injuries during clashes with the M23 rebel group, as fighting in the Goma region escalated. 

The rebel group fought intensely against the Congolese armed forces, resulting in the deaths of soldiers from 23 to 27 January 2025 during M23’s advance on Sake and Goma. 

The South African soldiers were part of the SAMIDRC, which aims to help restore peace, security, and stability in Africa’s second-largest country. 

Motshekga noted that part of the meticulous withdrawal process includes safe retrieval of all Prime Mission Equipment (PME), which is currently underway. 

“As stated by the Chief of the SANDF during our last media briefing on this matter, we shall not leave even a pin behind. All necessary logistical support will continue until the withdrawal is fully completed. 

“We are fully aware that half the work is done in terms Prime Mission Equipment movement, hence we are working around the clock with our counterparts in the region to ensure that the process runs expeditiously with minimal logistical risks,” the Minister said.

She assured the people of South Africa that government will continue to provide the latest developments as the process unfolds.

“Our main focus from now on is to prioritise their standard procedure of demobilisation. This will include crucial psychosocial sessions, after which they will return to their respective units and, thereafter, be reunited with their families,” the Minister said.

Motshekga reaffirmed South Africa’s continued commitment to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Southern African region. –SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa hails Proteas historic ICC test championship victory

Source: South Africa News Agency

Sunday, June 15, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated the Proteas on their historic victory in the International Cricket Council’s Test Championship, after five-wicket win over Australia at Lord’s, England, on Saturday.

South Africa beat Australia on the fourth day, through a superb team effort at the home of cricket. 

“Your win is a major boost for cricket in South Africa, and you have inspired a new generation of cricketers. I call on the nation to come and greet the Cricket World Champions when they arrive back in the country this week,” the President said in a statement on Saturday.

The President described the win as being built around excellent performances by the batsmen in the second innings.

There was the brilliant batting by Aiden Markram who scored 136 and the captain, Temba Bavuma with his 66 runs.

Their match-winning partnership was pivotal in the team’s success.

The bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada, also kept the pressure on the Australian batsmen and never allowed them to dominate.

“Coach Shukri Conrad, captain Bavuma and the team have done South Africa proud. They started the match as underdogs but that indomitable spirit, that is a characteristic of our nation, carried the team through. The Proteas underlined the importance of being focussed on the field and triumphed,” the President said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Public to comment on Integrated Social Facilitation Framework

Source: South Africa News Agency

Public to comment on Integrated Social Facilitation Framework

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has encouraged South Africans to submit their comments on the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s Integrated Social Facilitation Framework before the 20 June 2025 deadline. 

This follows the recent gazetting of the framework, which has received overwhelming public interest. 

The framework seeks to formalise social facilitation in infrastructure projects in order to reduce construction site disruptions.

The framework is a direct outcome of the National Construction Summit on Site Disruptions held in Durban in November last year, where social facilitation was identified as a key mechanism to address the prevalence of the so-called “construction mafia”.

“I had the privilege yesterday of delivering a keynote address at an event hosted by one of the voluntary associations under a Professional Council, focused on integrating social facilitation into the construction project lifecycle.

“I am pleased to announce that my department is leading the way in this regard and has officially gazetted an Integrated Social Facilitation Framework for public and industry comment.

“This initiative, driven by the department’s Social Facilitation Unit, represents a significant step toward ensuring that infrastructure, construction, and built environment projects reflect the needs and priorities of communities and all legitimate interested and affected stakeholders.

“I strongly encourage the industry to engage with this process and submit comments by the closing date: 20 June 2025. Your input is vital in shaping a framework that will serve as the blueprint for a more inclusive and responsive construction sector in South Africa,” he said.

Macpherson said the initiative would go a long way in ensuring that social facilitation is embedded from the outset of infrastructure projects, preventing criminal elements from manipulating communities for personal gain. 

He said all community roleplayers would be informed of the project prior to its implementation, allowing for a clear understanding of its context, expected impact and preventing the spread of misinformation.

“It is important that we standardise these practices as we work to reduce construction site disruptions nationwide. 

“The police have an important role to play in apprehending those found guilty of site disruptions, but equally, the department must play its part in working hand-in-hand with communities during infrastructure delivery. By working together, we can build a better South Africa,” the Minister said.

Comments on the policy can be directed to molatelo.mohwasa@dpw.gov.za or andre.duplessi@dpw.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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Welcoming remarks by Hon. Kenny Morolong, MP Deputy Minister in The Presidency on the occasion of the U20 African Mayors’ Assembly tour to the Union Buildings

Source: President of South Africa –

The Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane, Dr Nasiphi Moya
Delegates and Members of the African Mayors’ Assembly Management of The Presidency 
Ladies and Gentlemen Good Afternoon. 

“Heritage is what is preserved from the past as the living collective memory of a people not only to inform the present about the past but also to equip successive generations to fashion their future. It is what creates a sense of identity and assures rootedness and continuity, so that what is brought out by dynamism of culture is not changed for its own sake, but it is a result of people’s conscious choice to create a better life.” 

This definition from the National Heritage Council provides an important conceptual tool to understanding the importance of heritage in general and world heritage sites in particular. 

In July 2024, sitting in Delhi, India; the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s World Heritage Committee inscribed the Union Buildings as a world heritage site. 

For the its part, The Presidency is still elaborating plans on the management of this site; properly to give practical meaning “not only to inform the present about the past but also to equip successive generations to fashion their future.” 

These operational plans will be announced on our website, including the creation of the visitors centre to manage visitors flow. 

As the Presidency and I indeed speak for the President, we are elated by your presence here to tour this beautiful site. We thank very much each of the Mayors and African city governments present here today. 

A special extension of appreciation goes to the Executive Mayor of Tshwane; the host extraordinaire of the U20, African Mayors Assembly. As you very well may know, the City of Tshwane, is also the host of our national seat of Government, at whose preeminent and symbolic building, I have the singular honour to receive and welcome you all. 

For very many years in the past, this very building was a symbol of oppression and division, yet paradoxically, union being its name. The union it then represented, was the union of whites against blacks in general and Africans in particular. It was a union of repression and oppression by one against the other. This is the collective memory whose preservation is entrusted on us the living, so that we give due respect to the past, present and future. 

Indeed today, this building evokes memories of the consistent battles fought to win our peace and the true unity we have today. Today, the building is the symbol of the union of all our people, diverse in the culture yet sharing a common heritage. 

The memories of the past and our management of the present should and must form the impulses that “equip successive generations to fashion their future.” 

I hope as you prepare to go back home, you have experienced the hospitality of our nation and will soon as return with your families for leisure. 

Esteem members of the African Mayors’ Assembly, I have made all these long winded remarks to simply say: welcome to the Union Buildings and enjoy your tour. 

Ke a leboga! 
 

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President Ramaphosa congratulates the Proteas on winning the ICC World Test Championship

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulates the Proteas on winning the International Cricket Council’s Test Championship against Australia by five wickets in London today.

South Africa beat Australia through a superb team effort at Lord’s, the home of cricket, on the fourth day.

The win was built around excellent performances by the batsmen in the second innings.

There was the brilliant batting by Aiden Markram who scored 136 and the captain, Temba Bavuma with his 66 runs.
 
Their match-winning partnership was pivotal in the team’s success.

The bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada, also kept the pressure on the Australian batsmen and never allowed them to dominate.

 President Ramaphosa said, “Coach Shukri Conrad, captain Bavuma and the team have done South Africa proud. They started the match as underdogs but that indomitable spirit, that is a characteristic of our nation, carried the team through.

The Proteas underlined the importance of being focussed on the field and triumphed.

Your win is a major boost for cricket in South Africa and you have inspired a new generation of cricketers.

I call on the nation to come and greet the Cricket World Champions when they arrive back in the country this week.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Three police officers successfully convicted of corruption

Source: South Africa News Agency

Three police officers successfully convicted of corruption

The Serious Corruption Investigation component of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has this week secured a conviction in a high-profile corruption matter involving three police officials attached to the Provincial Taxi Violence Unit in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The police officials are Madoda Mduduzi Mhlongo (56), Siyabonga Herbert Mabhida (51) and Prince Ntsikelelo Shezi (50).

“It was reported that on 13 March 2019, the complainant [in the matter] was approached by the three police officials, who alleged that they were under pressure from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to arrest two suspects due to the alleged murders of key witnesses in a case they were investigating,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement. 

“The officials solicited a gratification of R200 000 from the complainant, in lieu of preventing the arrests. The trio warned that failure to pay would result in the suspects being arrested that same night. 

“Later that evening, the police officials arrived at one of the suspects’ premises, reinforcing the threat,” the police said.

The matter was reported to the Serious Corruption Investigation component based at the head office. A police operation was authorised in terms of section 252A of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977). On 29 March 2019, the three implicated police officials, who were all Warrant Officers, were arrested after receiving the R200 000.

The trio appeared in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 1 April 2019 and were each released on R10 000 bail. Their trial commenced on 1 March 2021 and ran over an extended period until they were found guilty of corruption.

The trio was remanded in custody as the matter was postponed to 19 June 2025 in the same court for their sentencing. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Youth entrepreneurship key to SA’s sustainable economic growth, says Mashatile

Source: South Africa News Agency

Youth entrepreneurship key to SA’s sustainable economic growth, says Mashatile

Equipping young people with the skills necessary to become entrepreneurs is essential for the success of society and for overturning the post-apartheid laws that prevented the majority from engaging in the economy. 

This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who was speaking during the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator event in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, on Friday.

Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator is a not-for-profit social enterprise that works with partners to find solutions for the challenge of youth unemployment.

Deputy President Mashatile cited the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey, which indicated that the youth unemployment rate has now reached 56.3% in the first quarter of 2025. 

This figure represents 9.2 million youths, who are not engaged in education, employment, or training.

“Most of you gathered here today know all too well what it means to be without work, locked out of the economy and unable to earn an income. It is disheartening; it is discouraging, and it takes resilience and an enduring sense of hope to overcome.

“Most importantly, it requires support from family, government, the private sector and other stakeholders,” he told attendees. 

To address the nation’s youth economic crisis, Mashatile believes that initiatives to support young entrepreneurs are critical.

“As government, we are fully aware that this is not just a labour market issue but a social and moral emergency.

“I am encouraged by many of you in the audience today who remain hopeful about yours and the country’s future.”

The country’s second-in-command said he was encouraged by the several interventions currently underway in partnership with stakeholders from across society.

He also touched on the R100 billion — through the Transformation Fund — to support black-owned businesses and historically disadvantaged groups. 

“These funds will act as a catalyst to attract other funds and make more funding available to support micro, small and medium enterprises.”

The other key initiatives include the Spaza Shop Support Fund, which has allocated R500 million to revitalise township and rural economies. 

In addition, the SAYouth.mobi platform has processed 17.9 million online applications, and the Basic Education Employment Initiative has provided first jobs for 205 000 young people.

READ | Presidential Youth Initiative continues to empower SA’s most excluded youth

Government also offers various programmes to support young entrepreneurs, including financial assistance, business development services, and skills training.

Other initiatives include the National Youth Development Agency’s grant programme and the Youth Challenge Fund. 

“To ensure increased access to funding, we have the Innovation Fund, which has already supported over 96 start-ups since 2020,” said the Deputy President. 

He announced that these strategies focus on expanding digital infrastructure, developing digital skills, and fostering digital innovation.

Deputy President Mashatile stressed that these were not handouts, but strategic investments in youth potential. 

Meanwhile, he said new legislation, such as the Public Procurement Act and National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill, aims to create an enabling environment for young entrepreneurs by simplifying regulations and improving market access.

In addition, he stated that government was working with the private sector and civil society to scale up enterprise support, open procurement pathways, and remove red tape.

“As we look ahead, let us imagine a world in which every young person can make their ambitions a reality, where entrepreneurship is more than a slogan but a way of life.”

Mashatile also took the time to wish everyone a wonderful National Youth Day celebration on Monday, 16 June. The national celebration will be held in Potchefstroom, North West. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile

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President Ramaphosa expresses sadness over tragic loss of life during recent floods in E Cape

Source: South Africa News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sorrow over the recent floods in the Eastern Cape, which have claimed the lives of nearly 80 people. 

In response to the devastating situation in Mthatha this week, government officials, including the President, key Ministers, the Premier, and local government representatives, visited the area to offer support and assess the damage. 

The disaster has caused significant loss of life and widespread destruction of infrastructure.

“Many people have tragically died, especially young children whose school transport was swept away by the floods. I was informed that one child has still not been accounted for,” he told the community. 

The President shared a story about a local woman who lost her mother and children, one of whom is still missing.

“We sympathise with you because losing a parent or child is one of the most painful experiences one can endure. I also came here because we are not accustomed to losing so many people all at once.” 

The country’s commander-in-chief emphasised the severity of the situation, noting that while the impact has been tragic, quick response teams prevented an even worse outcome. 

“We are very, very disturbed that so many people have passed away, but it could have been much worse. The response teams acted quickly.” 

The President announced that the deceased individuals have been taken to a mortuary and that the forensic team have acted quickly to perform autopsies, ensuring that their loved ones can receive their remains and prepare for memorial services as well as burials.

“And my thanks also go to the Premier, his MECs, to the Mayors, as well as all other officials. This is a catastrophic disaster for us, which is caused by climate change.” 

The floods have caused widespread destruction to homes, government facilities, roads, hospitals, and schools, highlighting the urgent need to tackle climate change.

“There shouldn’t be any floods during winter. In the Eastern Cape, we expect cold weather and snow during this season. However, the occurrence of floods highlights the severity of the climate change issue we are facing. The same flooding issues are also happening in KwaZulu-Natal.” 

He highlighted that this is becoming a new reality for South Africa, with both Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal experiencing recurring annual disasters. 

“The Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal are now prone to continuous annual disasters that are causing a lot of pain and suffering amongst our people, where a number of people are dying.”

Government officials pledged continued support to the affected communities, promising to assist families in their time of grief. 

“We will continue to give you the support and the assistance that is required, so that your sorrow must not deepen beyond what you are experiencing now; this we will do; because it’s our responsibility as government, and that is why I also came.” 

He also extended his condolences to the people of KwaZulu-Natal, who are facing significant challenges due to climate change. 

The President expressed his gratitude to the Gift of the Givers, as well as other organisations and religious leaders, for their support and for comforting grieving families during this difficult time.

Government also announced that mourning is being considered to remember those who lost their lives in this catastrophic event. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Deputy President to undertake working visit to Russia

Source: South Africa News Agency

Strengthening economic and trade relations will be at the core of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s working visit to Russia.

According to the Deputy President’s Office, the trip will focus on enhancing cooperation in key sectors, including agriculture, automotive, energy, and mining, as well as collaboration in science and technology.

The working visit set for 17-21 June in Moscow and St. Petersburg, will involve high-level engagements and activities focused on economic diplomacy.

In Moscow, Deputy President Mashatile will meet with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to discuss cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, and energy.

The Deputy President will meet with several high-ranking officials, including President Vladimir Putin, Valentina Matvienko, the Chairman of the Russian Federation Council, and Vyacheslav Volodin, the current Chairman of the State Duma, which is the lower house of the Russian Parliament.

While in Moscow, the Deputy President will lay a wreath at the memorial site honouring South Africa’s liberation heroes, John Beaver (JB) Marks and Moses Kotane. 

Following this, he will participate in the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF2025).

This year’s forum will be held from 19 to 21 June,  under the theme: “Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World.”

The Deputy President will take part in the plenary session of SPIEF2025 while he has also received an invitation to speak at the Russia-Africa Business Dialogue.

In addition, he is scheduled to deliver a public lecture at St. Petersburg State University on the topic: “South Africa’s G20 Presidency in a Rapidly Changing Geopolitical Environment.”

He will address attendees at the opening of the South African Trade and Investment Seminar.

“The St. Petersburg leg of the visit is expected to leverage on promoting South Africa’s trade relations and South Africa as an investment destination.” 

According to the Deputy President’s Office, this trip will be his first visit to Russia since he took office under the seventh administration. 

He will be accompanied by a delegation of Ministers and Deputy Ministers who are part of the Economic Sectors, Investment, Employment and Infrastructure Development Cabinet Cluster. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister calls for urgent, coordinated, and victim-focused response to GBVF

Source: South Africa News Agency

Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has called for a more urgent, coordinated, and victim-centred national response to the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the country. 

“This initiative is an urgent call for a more coordinated, victim-centered, and accountable approach to combating GBVF and ensuring justice and protection for women and children,” the Minister said. 

She was delivering opening remarks at a roundtable discussion at the Atteridgeville Community Hall in Pretoria on Friday, focusing on the implementation and progress made in the National Strategic Plan as well as evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of services provided to GBVF victims.  

The engagement, convened during Youth Month, comes as South Africa grapples with the devastating consequences of recent disasters and ongoing gender-based crimes that continue to claim the lives of women and children.

The Minister took a moment to send her condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the floods in the Eastern Cape this week. 

“Today, we are gathered here once again, saddened by the news as our country is devastated by the disaster that took the lives of young and elder people. To all those who have lost their lives, we are sending deepest condolences to their families and those who might be hospitalised we wish them a speedy recovery. 

“To those who have been affected; some in having lost their shelters; may our government agilely working with the relevant partners, work towards their settlement. This has also impacted negatively on the attendance of some Ministers who were supposed to be with us today,” she said. 

The roundtable is a response to widespread public protests and marches demanding justice for victims of GBVF. 

According to the Minister, the public outcry triggered the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) to propose an urgent engagement.

She highlighted the need to reflect on and address the challenges of existing legislation, including the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, which has yet to fully bridge service gaps or ensure trauma-informed support for survivors.

“Gender-based violence and femicide remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations affecting women and children in South Africa. 

“Hence today we must deal with all existing legislation and national strategies, including the National Strategic Plan on GBVF as victims continue to experience delays in accessing justice, poor service integration, and a lack of trauma-informed support. “Today we gather here to gain insights and brainstorm on ways to respond to the cry out there,” she said. 

Tolashe said the roundtable must serve as a platform to develop practical, community-driven and institutionally supported solutions.

“We need to respond in a collective national way to address institutional inefficiencies and restore public confidence,” the minister said.

A Cry for Shelter Services

One of the key voices at the roundtable, Dr Zubeda Dangor, Head of the National Shelter Movement of South Africa, painted a dire picture of the state of shelters in the country – particularly in Gauteng.

“Women’s shelters play an essential role in the fight against GBV, offering women and children safe accommodation, support, and training as they attempt to leave their abusers,” Dangor told SAnews.

Representing more than 100 affiliated shelters, Dangor called on government to urgently address the chronic underfunding of shelter services. 

“Currently in Gauteng, only 10 out of 23 shelters are funded. Now, the government is closing down some of the shelters or not supporting them, while starting new ones. Yes, it is good to open new ones since they are needed, however, the ones that are functioning need support as well,” she said. 

She emphasised that shelter helplines now have no place to refer victims to, placing them at risk of returning to dangerous environments. 

“We are appealing and hoping to engage government further,” she said. 

Background

The roundtable reaffirmed the urgent need for collaboration between government, civil society, and communities, to safeguard the rights and lives of South Africa’s women and children.

The South African government, through the Justice, Crime Prevention and Social Cluster (JCPS Cluster) established the 90-Day Accelerated Programme on Gender Based Violence and Femicide to focus and accelerate efforts to end the scourge of gender based violence. 

The 90- Day Accelerated Programme is co-chaired by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the Department of Social Development, respectively. 

The implementation of the programme is convened through the NatJoints. 

Six workstreams were established to focus on key areas of the response to gender-based violence and femicide, with targeted deliverables for each workstream. 

One of the targeted deliverables was to convene a roundtable to focus on GBVF.

The roundtable convened national leaders, state departments, and civil society stakeholders to directly respond to these petitions, assess current gaps, and define a clear, actionable pathway to improve services and ensure justice for GBVF victims and survivors. – SAnews.gov.za