Category: South Africa Government

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MoU to aid SA’s infrastructure plans

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will see the United Kingdom provide expertise and capacity support worth nearly R10 million to South Africa’s infrastructure development efforts.

This as Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson and the United Kingdom (UK) Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade, Chris Bryant signed the MoU for infrastructure collaboration in London.

Monday’s signing follows the announcement of collaboration by Macpherson and UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves in Durban earlier this year to capacitate the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) as it works towards using public assets for the public good and turning South Africa into a construction site.

The partnership will see the United Kingdom provide expertise and capacity support worth nearly R10 million across three focus areas:
•    Project Capstone, which will support the effective operationalisation of the DPWI’s Special and Strategic Delivery Unit (SSDU). This unit will accelerate infrastructure delivery by focusing on high-impact, high-priority projects and addressing systemic process inefficiencies that hinder effective implementation.
•    Project Speed, which will enhance the management of public assets through more effective and efficient public sector asset management, including improved resource efficiency.
•    Infrastructure South Africa’s Adopt-a-Municipality Programme, which will strengthen infrastructure delivery at a municipal level in selected focus municipalities.

Minister Macpherson said the partnership demonstrates how international collaboration can help unlock South Africa’s infrastructure potential and improve the state’s capacity to deliver. He said this will help to realise his vision of using public assets for the public good and turning South Africa into a construction site.

“The MoU marks an important step forward in our efforts to turn South Africa into a construction site and ensure that public assets are used for the public good. By partnering with the United Kingdom, we are creating a foundation for stronger project preparation, improved delivery, and the upskilling of our public sector teams.

“This MoU shows that we are delivering on reform within the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, ensuring that every project we undertake contributes meaningfully to job creation, local economic development, and the building of modern, resilient public infrastructure. 

“Our aim is to turn previously derelict buildings into assets for communities and ensure that construction projects are delivered on time and within budget. By working with all partners, we are well on our way to building a better South Africa,” said the Minister.

READ | SA to sign MoU on infrastructure collaboration
– SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa extends SIU probe into NLC

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed an amendment to the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) proclamation, broadening the scope of the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) ongoing investigation into the affairs of the commission.

The extension has been extended to include procurement contracts and extends for a five-year investigation period. 

In a statement on Monday, the SIU said Proclamation R293 of 2025 amends the original investigation mandate (Proclamation R. 32 of 2020) in two ways.

These are: 
•    It extends the investigation’s timeframe, allowing the SIU to probe allegations of serious maladministration from the inception of the original proclamation in November 2020 up to 10 October 2025, effectively extending the investigation period by five years.
•    It adds 21 new categories of procurement and contracting to the investigation. These include a wide range of services in which it is alleged that procurement processes were flouted, and public funds were misused.

The appointment of a panel of attorneys’ firms and legal practitioners, in terms of Bid NLC/2020-05, and the appointment of a service provider for a Comprehensive Employee Wellness Programme for the Employees of the NLC, in terms of RFP/2021-15, are among the newly added matters under investigation.

The amendment is a result of the allegations the SIU received during its investigation and the investigation’s findings, which necessitated an extension of the scope and time.

The initial investigation was divided into three phases, valued at approximately R2 billion. The SIU is concluding the third phase and will proceed with civil litigation. 

In addition, the following added matters under investigation include, but are not limited to the procurement of or contracting for:
•    The extension of the appointment of Metrofile for the off-site storage of documents and delivery thereof from 1 January 2021 to 31 March 2021.
•    The appointment of a service provider for the Procurement of Electronic Board Pack in terms of RFP/2020-06, RFQ NLC/2019-006 and Bid NLC 2020-006.
•    The appointment of a service provider for advertorial on Back to Basics Magazine.
•    Submission for approval: deviation from the normal procurement process, Independent Media, Arena Holdings, Media 24.
•    An education and awareness broadcast campaign related to the purchase order dated 29 October 2020; and
•    accommodation and travel services rendered by Regency Apartment Hotel and Ndila Transfers.

“The SIU is now authorised to investigate whether the procurement of, or contracting for, these services was conducted in a manner that was not fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, or cost- effective, as well as contrary to applicable legislation, Treasury instructions, or the NLC’s own policies and procedures.”

The unit added that the investigation will also cover any related unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the NLC or the State. 

In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.

Under the SIU Act, the SIU is also authorised to initiate a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration.

Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption, and fraud, the SIU is committed to identifying systemic failures and recommending measures to prevent future losses. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

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Call to use water resources for development

Source: Government of South Africa

Water resources should be used as a bridge for cooperation rather than a tool of conflict, Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahloba has said.

Mahlobo who is leading South Africa’s delegation to the 8th Cairo Water Week, currently underway in Egypt, delivered a message of peace, unity, and collaboration.
 

He joined global water leaders, scientists and policymakers to explore innovative solutions for climate resilience and water sustainability, in line with the event’s theme: “Innovative Solutions for Climate Resilience and Water Sustainability.”

Speaking during the plenary session on Cooperation for Sustainable Water Management, Mahlobo emphasised an urgent need to end ongoing conflicts that threaten global and regional stability, saying water must never be used as a weapon of war, but as a source of life, peace and solidarity among nations.

“Water connects us all. It is the lifeblood of humanity and the foundation of peace. Our shared responsibility is to ensure it sustains life, not conflict,” the Deputy Minister said.

Reaffirming South Africa’s role in regional water diplomacy, he highlighted the country’s commitment to cooperative governance, guided by the National Water Act of 1998 and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourses, as key frameworks enabling the cooperative management of transboundary rivers, such as the Orange–Senqu and Incomati.

“South Africa stands ready to work hand in hand with every African nation to secure our shared water future. No country can thrive in isolation. Our rivers flow across borders, so must our cooperation.

“The Government of South Africa remains fully committed to deepening partnerships, strengthening basin institutions and investing in technologies that guarantee water security, peace and prosperity for all Africans. Together, we can turn every drop of water into a symbol of hope, resilience and unity,” the Deputy Minister said.

Mahlobo also highlighted the importance of inclusivity and participation in water governance, calling for the greater involvement of women, youth and local communities in decision-making processes.

“The right to water is about equity, dignity and participation. Women and youth must not only benefit from our policies, [but] they must also help shape them,” he said.

He pointed to South Africa’s initiatives such as the Women in Water Diplomacy Network under the Orange–Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) and the Department’s Youth Strategy, which continue to lead transformative efforts that empower marginalised groups and build a new generation of water sector leaders.

Looking ahead, Mahlobo expressed optimism that Africa’s shared water resources can serve as a foundation for peace, prosperity and resilience. He urged global leaders to strengthen transboundary cooperation, invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, and expand public-private partnerships to meet the continent’s growing water demand.

“Our collective hope is that water becomes not a source of conflict, but a catalyst for unity and progress. Governments must leave no one behind. This is both a moral duty and a developmental imperative,” Mahlobo concluded.

The 8th Cairo Water Week, which began on Sunday, 12 October 2025, continues to serve as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue and cross-border collaboration, reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to leading an inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable water agenda for the continent and beyond. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Deputy Minister Mhlauli to co-chair 2nd District Development Model meeting in the Northern Cape

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, together with the Northern Cape MEC for (MEC) for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Ms Limakatso Koloi, and the Executive Mayor of the Frances Baard District Municipality, Cllr Wende Marekwa, will convene the Second District Development Model (DDM) Meeting on Wednesday, 15 October 2025 at the Frances Baard District Municipality Lecture Rooms.
 
The meeting forms part of Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination and alignment between the three spheres of Government to ensure integrated planning, service delivery, and accountability in line with the DDM’s “One District, One Plan” approach.

This engagement will review progress on the implementation of the District One Plan, assess catalytic projects under execution, and identify emerging challenges that require multi-sectoral intervention.

The session will also set out the roadmap towards Imbizos in the district and ensure that Government programmes respond effectively to the developmental priorities of local communities.

Details of the Meeting:
 
Date: Wednesday, 15 October 2025
Time: 09h00 – 13h00
Venue: Frances Baard District Municipality Lecture Rooms, Northern Cape

Media enquiries: Ms Mandisa Mbele, Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 or mandisam@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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MEC condemns killing of off-duty LEAP officer

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has condemned the murder of an off-duty Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officer whose body was discovered at the weekend.

According to preliminary reports, the 26-year-old officer, Yonke Pakade and his 30-year-old female colleague were allegedly hijacked in Browns Farm on Saturday evening. 

The female officer managed to escape and alerted authorities. However, the body of her colleague was later found with stab wounds to the chest in the early hours of Sunday, 12 October 2025. The discovery was made at the Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East.

“I am angered by this senseless act of violence that has claimed the life of a young officer who served our communities with dedication. The loss of any law enforcement officer is not only a personal tragedy, but also a significant setback in our ongoing fight against crime. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of officer Yonke Pakade,” said Marais on Monday.

The MEC has commended the swift response by LEAP officers, which led to the initial arrest of a 22-year-old suspect believed to be linked to the incident. 

A team consisting of the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Systems Management Unit, along with the South African Police Service Organised Crime, LEAP and the Khayelitsha Tactical Response Team managed to arrest three more suspects linked to the incident.

“I thank all law enforcement officers for their collaborative efforts in arresting the suspects. I call on the SAPS to ensure that no effort is spared in bringing the perpetrators to justice.”

Marais has urged the public to come forward with any information that may assist the police in their investigation. 
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, make use of the MySAPS app or call the City of Cape Town`s tipoff line on 0800 1100 77. 

All information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. – SAnews.gov.za

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New SAPS chopper aids in search for missing teen 

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

A newly acquired helicopter of the South African Police Service (SAPS) has helped to locate two bodies that were found floating in the Swartkops River in Gqeberha.

The bodies were found when the crew of the Airbus H125 helicopter, based at the Air Wing in Gqeberha, was familiarising itself with the new aircraft and were called to provide aerial support in an ongoing search and recovery operation on Monday.

This as the search and recovery effort to find a 17-year-old boy had begun on Friday.

“The allegation is that on Friday, 10 October 2025 [at] around 10am, friends were swimming in the Swartkops River, when Curtis Samson (17), got into trouble and disappeared into the water. “

The SAPS Search and Rescue team from K9 Unit was activated and other stakeholders assisted in the operation.

“The operation continued over the weekend, with scheduled stops during sunset.Moments, after the activation of the chopper, the crew spotted two bodies floating in separate areas of the river. The first body was identified as Curtis Samson.  The second body was an African male and is yet to be identified. Police divers retrieved the two bodies,” said Eastern Cape police.

The police have opened two separate inquest dockets for further investigation. –SAnews.govza

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Mhlauli engages Motheo college students

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, is today hosting a G20 dialogue with students at the Motheo TVET College in the Free State.

Tuesday’s dialogue in Bloemfontein, forms part of the year-long G20 awareness outreach programme implemented by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in partnership with different stakeholders across the country.

“This programme will kick-start with an information exhibition wherein identified Government and non-government organisations will provide services and information to the students at the Motheo TVET College,” said the Presidency.

Last month the Deputy Minister addressed students at the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape. At that session, the Deputy Minister said South Africa will use its Presidency of the G20 to build a more inclusive and prosperous Africa and a better world, ensuring that no one is left behind. – SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng police seize over 700 unlicensed firearms 

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Gauteng police have recovered 776 unlicensed firearms and 2030 rounds of ammunition between 1 July and 30 September 2025.

“During the three-month period, 247 suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and 224 apprehended for illegal possession of ammunition,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement on Monday.

The recovered firearms include automatic rifles, complete firearms, revolvers /pistols, rifles and shotguns, some with serial numbers filed off.

“These achievements demonstrate the effectiveness of proactive policing efforts and collaborative work with other law enforcement agencies, private security companies, and government departments,” the police said.

This as the police added that they remain committed to ensuring the  safety and security of communities through continued efforts to combat crime and prevent the proliferation of illegal firearms. – SAnews.gov.za

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Summit to place water provision under the spotlight 

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, is set to deliver a keynote address at the uMzinyathi Water Summit later this week.

Taking place from 16-17 October 2025, at Battlefield Country Lodge in Dundee, KwaZulu-Natal, the summit is expected to address urgent water service delivery challenges across all 61 wards of the uMzinyathi District.

Central to the discussions will be the implementation of the Water Services Authority’s capacity building plan, in accordance with the Water Services Act.

The Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG), through the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA), continues to support municipalities in infrastructure development and service delivery, as mandated by Section 154 of the Constitution.

The summit underscores the significant backlogs in water supply and infrastructure limitations facing the district.

The department said the gathering aims to address these through the lens of the capacity building plan, focusing on sustainable service delivery across all 61 wards, integration of provincial support under Section 154 of the Constitution, and leveraging grant funding for infrastructure upgrades.

This high-level engagement is expected to convene stakeholders from national, provincial, and local government to forge collaborative solutions for sustainable water provision. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa to undertake three-nation visit to Asia

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa will embark on a three-nation visit to Asia from 22 – 28 October 2025.

The visits will include State Visits to Indonesia and Vietnam, followed by the President’s participation at the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit as a Guest of the Chair.

During a media briefing on Monday, Presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said the visit to the South-East Asian nations demonstrate South Africa’s commitment to “deepening strategic ties” with the region.

“These engagements underscore the growing importance of South-East Asia in South Africa’s efforts to diversify and expand its export markets, and to strengthen inter-regional cooperation. 

“The President’s participation in the ASEAN Summits follows South Africa’s recognition as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN in 2023, marking a significant milestone in advancing South-South cooperation and fostering inclusive, sustainable development through enhanced political, economic, and multilateral collaboration,” he said on Monday.

The visits form part of the drive for alternative markets for South African products.

“This visit to South-East Asia, including several that precedes it and a few still to follow this year, are part of an ongoing intensification of opening new trade opportunities and expanding existing trade markets for South African goods and produce. 

“Over and above a laser focus on trade, President Ramaphosa has been seeking more opportunities for skills development exchanges that will benefit the youth of South Africa. In all the visits, in engagements with Heads of State as well as with captains of industry, the President has sustained a consistent theme of seeking out more and more skills development opportunities for young people,” Magwenya explained.

Presidential diary
Before leaving on the tour to Asia, the President will on Tuesday, 14 October 2025 respond to questions for oral reply in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Cape Town.

“The session will cover amongst other issues mechanisms to monitor the state of service delivery and quality of services that are offered by all government levels, progress in reviving local industries and strengthening the manufacturing sector, and an update on South Africa’s International Court of Justice case against the state of Israel,” Magwenya said.

Later on Tuesday, the President is expected to deliver the keynote address during a dinner of the Public Protector South Africa (PPSA) 30-year Anniversary International Conference.
“Over the past thirty years, the PPSA institution has grown in leaps and bounds, and encountered a litany of challenges. 

“It has, however, through sheer institutional resilience and resolve, recalibrated itself and has managed to maintain its key strategic role in South Africa’s democratic ecosystem and continues to play an important role in enforcing the democratic values of good governance, the rule of law and quality of life.

“This Conference will bring together governance and accountability institutions from the BRICS group of nations, The Commonwealth, International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), Africa Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA), the European Union and the G20,” the spokesperson explained.

READ | Conference to reflect on 30 years of the PPSA

On Friday, the President is expected to deliver the keynote address at the 7th Social Justice Summit, to be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

The summit will bring together policymakers, legislators, civil society, traditional leaders, academics and the Judiciary for high-level dialogue under the theme: “Social Justice, Food Security and Peace: Pathways to Equality, Solidarity, Sustainability and Climate Resilience.”
“The summit aligns with the G20 Development Working Group priorities, including mobilising finance for development, promoting social protection levels and addressing global public goods to enhance resilience.

“The summit will also continue to propel forward the conversation on accountability for constitutional governance, which includes the advancement of equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms. That is essentially advancing social justice through transformative governance and civil society action, incorporating the role of business and development partners,” Magwenya said. – SAnews.gov.za