Category: South Africa Government

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande has held one-on-one meetings with the leadership of his department’s entities as part of efforts to enhance the impact and visibility of the department.

Held last week, the discussions followed a special meeting held in August with the Chairpersons and CEOs of the entities under the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).

At the meeting in August, Nzimande emphasised the importance of upholding good governance among the leaders of these entities. This includes combating corruption, minimising waste, and promoting transformation within the department’s organisations.

The Minister also stressed the need for continuous improvement in the relationship and communication between the department and its entities.

He highlighted that the National System of Innovation (NSI) must be adaptable to the evolving domestic economic and geopolitical landscape.

After the commitments made during the August meeting, and with the support of DSTI Director-General Dr Mlungisi Cele and the senior management team, the Minister met last week with the boards and executives of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), the National Research Foundation (NRF), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), and the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).

“Guided by the White Paper and the Decadal Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation, as well as the ever-changing external environment, we will continue to make bold and decisive shifts in the focus areas of our department and its entities,” Nzimande said.

He further emphasised the need to continually redefine the role of the DSTI and its entities to combat the perception of elitism and to enhance the national impact of their work.

“As part of this strategic repositioning, we have recently adopted a new departmental mantra: ‘Placing Science, Technology, and Innovation at the centre of Government, Education, Industry, and Society.’ The realisation of our mantra relies on several critical enablers, including the need to significantly elevate the scale and profile of our work.”

These ministerial engagements with DSTI entities aim to address key issues identified in various performance reports, including the 2020-2025 end-term assessment, the 2024/25 annual reports, and the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation’s 2024 online self-assessment tool.

The outcomes of these meetings are intended to provide feedback to the entities for developing the 2026/27 annual performance plans (APPs) and, if necessary, revising the 2025-2030 strategic plans.

The outcomes will also be incorporated into the second draft of the APPs, which are due for submission to the department by 16 January 2026.

Further ministerial engagements will occur with other DSTI entities during the first half of 2026.

“More broadly, these engagements are part of Minister Nzimande’s long-term goal of empowering the DSTI and its entities to make bold, impactful changes that will enhance the role of science, technology, and innovation in improving the well-being of our society,” said the department. – SAnews.gov.za

 

48 views

eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba says the city is prepared to welcome more than a million visitors and deliver a safe, vibrant, and memorable festive season.

Xaba unveiled the city’s Festive Season Management Plan, which outlined major improvements in service delivery, strengthened safety measures, and a robust tourism programme designed to deliver what the city has branded an “Endless Waves of Tranquillity” festive experience.

Xaba said this year’s festive season comes at a time of renewed optimism for Durban, especially following significant progress in water and sanitation services. For the first time in five years, all major bulk water reservoirs, including Durban Heights, Wiggins, and Midmar Treatment Works, are operating at full capacity.

“This means that communities in the north, south, and central regions will enjoy uninterrupted water supply during this period and beyond,” Xaba said.

Xaba reported strong improvements in coastal management, noting that water quality tests confirmed all 23 of Durban’s bathing beaches are safe for swimming.

“We reiterate to our visitors and residents that all our beaches are open and safe. Since the 2022 floods, we have worked diligently to repair and upgrade sewer infrastructure, particularly systems affecting our coastline.

“We continue to monitor beach water quality through weekly testing, and we are confident that this progress puts us firmly on the path toward achieving Blue Flag status. We are also pleased to report that more than 40 swimming pools will be open to the public, including the popular Children’s Amusement Centre pool,” Xaba said.

Misinformation

The Mayor condemned what he described as ongoing “smear campaigns” aimed at discouraging tourists from visiting Durban, including the spread of misinformation about beach water results.

“Let me state categorically: we are fully transparent with our beach water results, which we publish regularly on our website. We also welcome collaboration with independent laboratories for joint testing to verify and compare results,” he said.

Over one million visitors expected

Xaba said the city expects to welcome 1.3 million visitors this summer, generating a direct spend of more than R341 million and contributing a total contribution of R845 million to gross domestic product (GDP).

“This economic activity will help create over 15 000 jobs and generate more than R630 million in taxes. Tourism continues an upward economic trajectory. Recent data from South African Tourism shows exceptional growth across both domestic and international markets.

“Domestic tourism spend increased by 28%, reaching R8.4 billion between January and October 2025, driven by a growing demand for experience-led activities. International visitor spend rose by 29% to R1.1 billion, supported by high-growth markets such as Australia, the UAE, and Botswana,” Xaba said.

A festive programme “like no other”

This year’s festive season features a packed entertainment line-up, including the Durban Jazz Festival, Fact Durban Rocks New Year’s Celebration, Ladysmith Black Mambazo Christmas Special, and the “Anywhere In Your City” programme.

“We will also host a series of precinct activations during the festive season, including the City Street Carnival, Christmas lighting displays, the revival of major hotel celebrations, and New Year’s Eve fireworks at the beachfront. With the cruise season having officially commenced in November, Durban is welcoming a spectacular lineup of vessels and a diverse influx of international tourists.”

Enhanced law-enforcement visibility

The Mayor further assured all visitors that there will be enhanced law-enforcement visibility across the city, with increased policing in entertainment areas.

“Multidisciplinary operations, including roadblocks, focusing on reckless driving, unroadworthy vehicles and drinking and driving, will be conducted. Over 2 000 officers will be deployed for day and night-time patrols on freeways, the beachfront, shopping centres, and crime hotspots. These efforts are supported by our network of more than 500 CCTV cameras.

“To further strengthen safety, our newly established Coastal and Tourism Policing Unit will patrol 100 kilometres of coastline, from Umkhomazi in the south to Westbrook in the north. This unit underscores our commitment to ensuring that both residents and visitors enjoy a safe environment in our beaches,” the mayor said.

To increase beachfront safety and service capacity, the city has hired 650 seasonal staff, including 78 lifeguards, 135 litter pickers, 67 beach guides, 70 pool supervisors, 113 pool attendants, 43 childminders, and 135 security guards

Additional measures include seven tents for separated children, an overnight facility at Ellis Brown Primary School, and 200 000 armbands to help identify lost children.

With strengthened infrastructure, expanded safety measures, and an extensive holiday entertainment programme, Xaba expressed full confidence in the city’s festive season readiness.

“With all these measures in place, we are confident that we will deliver a safe, vibrant, and memorable festive season. Durban is ready.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

15 views

As South Africa commemorates Reconciliation Month in December, government has called on South Africans to deepen their commitment to unity, healing, forgiveness and nation-building.

Government further encouraged citizens to ensure that the values of reconciliation remain central to South Africa’s shared future.

This was shared by Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie during the launch of this year’s national commemoration, which will be taking place on Tuesday, 16 December 2025 at the Ncome Museum, Nquthu Local Municipality, within the uMzinyathi District in the KwaZulu-Natal Province.

Located at the Battle of Blood River heritage site, the Ncome Museum offers a powerful and symbolic setting for the 2025 National Day of Reconciliation.

It is here that the 1838 battle between the Voortrekker forces and the Zulu Kingdom unfolded in a historical event that shaped differing and often divisive commemorative practices for more than a century.

Before 1995, 16 December was commemorated separately and divisively as Dingane’s Day or the Day of the Covenant, reflecting the fractured historical landscape of colonial and apartheid South Africa.

In 1995, the democratic government redefined the day as the National Day of Reconciliation, transforming it from a symbol of division into a unifying platform for truth, justice, dialogue, healing, and shared nationhood.

Hosting the 2025 programme at Ncome reaffirms this commitment and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has urged the nation to engage honestly with its complex past while advancing a future rooted in inclusion, understanding and unity.

“Reconciliation Month is not merely a date on our national calendar. It is a national mirror. This year, we return to Ncome not to reopen old wounds, but to reaffirm our promise to future generations that South Africa shall never again be divided by hatred, injustice or exclusion,” the Minister said.

He emphasised that while government can create platforms for dialogue, healing and nation-building, the real work belongs to the people themselves.

“Government can open the space for engagement, but reconciliation is a responsibility that rests with every South African. Our mission now is to build a future where our children inherit unity, not division,” the Minister said.

Building on the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, government continues to implement programmes that promote social cohesion and democratic participation.

These efforts are guided by the Medium-Term Strategic Framework and the Medium-Term Development Plan under the Government of National Unity (GNU). 

The GNU’s core principles are nation-building, social cohesion, non-racialism, non-sexism, unity, and shared governance, providing a strengthened platform for advancing national healing.

In the lead-up to National Reconciliation Day, various government departments and entities will host a series of activities to commemorate the month.

“Government calls on all South Africans and citizens to participate in Reconciliation Month activities in their communities and continue engaging in robust and honest conversations towards commitment to unity, healing, forgiveness, and nation-building,” the department said. -SAnews.gov.za

 

39 views

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has held a high-level strategic meeting with civil society and key stakeholders in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro in the Eastern Cape.

The gathering that was held at the weekend followed the department’s appointment of a 10-member team, in accordance with Section 154(1) of the Constitution, to assist the city council in improving governance and facilitating service delivery.

The engagement brought together representatives from the National CoGTA, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Eastern Cape CoGTA, the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, civil society groups, and other important stakeholders.

The civil society coalition emphasised that it is non-partisan and represents the interests of the community, while participants highlighted several critical issues, including the ongoing instability in municipal leadership, persistent shortcomings in service delivery, and the deterioration of essential infrastructure. 

They also expressed concern about the perceived neglect of young people’s voices in important development decisions, rising crime rates, unsafe road conditions, and challenges related to water supply and sanitation systems. 

In addition, there were worries about the electricity supply and associated issues.

“The coalition, along with the Business Chamber, stressed the importance of transparent governance, operational efficiency, and strengthened partnerships to restore investor confidence, protect manufacturing industries, and drive economic growth,” the statement read.  

According to the department, the faith-based representatives highlighted the link between economic challenges, poverty, and inequality, calling for greater collaboration, partnerships, and community-focused solutions. 

Transparency, inclusivity in oversight, and stakeholder engagement were also prioritised during discussions. 

Hlabisa stressed the importance of merit-based appointments, stating that “positions in government must be filled by people with the right qualifications and competencies. Cadre deployment must be done away with to ensure effective service delivery and good governance.”

Mayor Babalwa Lobishe highlighted initiatives already underway to strengthen the municipality, including filling key vacant positions and improving systems and structures to enhance service delivery. 

She also announced the facilitation of a Youth Consultative Forum to engage young people in the development agenda. 

“The mayor committed to ongoing engagement with all stakeholders and emphasised consequence management for officials implicated in wrongdoing.” 

According to the department, the Section 154 support, which deployed 10 experts, will diagnose challenges, identify gaps, and enhance municipal capacity.

The Minister explained the difference between Section 139 and Section 154 interventions, noting the importance of timely support to ensure the municipality meets its objectives.

Hlabisa also stressed the urgent social issues facing the metro, including crime, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), as well as the pervasive effects of alcohol, drugs, and substance abuse.

“Crime, GBVF, and substance abuse pose serious threats to the safety and well-being of our communities. We cannot separate social challenges from economic and governance issues. It is essential for government, civil society, religious institutions, and communities to work together to protect our people, especially women and children and to build safer, healthier communities,” he said.

The Mayor is expected to meet with all stakeholders in early 2026 to discuss a plan of action aimed at revitalising the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and promoting sustainable development for the community.

In closing, the Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to working with the people of Nelson Mandela Bay to build a stable, inclusive, and thriving municipality. – SAnews.gov.za

4 views

The South African Police Service’s (SAPS) National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola will today visit Saulsville hostel, west of Pretoria where 25 people were shot at the weekend.

Police confirmed that 11 of those shot suffered fatal injuries, with the latest victim having succumbed to injuries while being treated at Kalafong hospital where all the victims had been taken to.

Among the dead are a three-year-old and a 12-year-old child. The 14 others that were injured and are being treated in hospital.

From Saulsville, General Mosemola will proceed to Brakpan, in Ekurhuleni where “Witness D” was shot and killed on Friday evening.

READ | Police launch manhunt for suspects who fatally shot Witness D

Witness D recently appeared before the Madlanga Commission sitting in Pretoria.

Police said that evidence gathered at the scene confirmed an AK47 automatic rifle was used in the commission of the crime.

According to a preliminary investigation, Witness D arrived at his home just after 20:30 with his wife and as he was about to open the gate, he was shot and sustained wounds to his upper body. 

“He was certified dead at the scene. His wife, who was a passenger in the car, escaped unharmed and it should be noted that nothing was taken from Witness D, seeing that his firearm, cell phone and wallet were still in his possession,” the police said in a statement.

A case of murder has been registered, and police have launched a manhunt for the person who ordered the hit as well as the hitmen who shot and killed Witness D. Police are also looking for the murder weapon. – SAnews.gov.za

 

14 views

President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his weekly newsletter to bemoan the country’s persistently high levels of violence against women and children, warning that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) now amounts to a national disaster requiring exceptional measures.  

As South Africa marks the annual 16 Days of Activism campaign, the President’s newsletter underscores the scale of the crisis and outlines government’s intensified response after officially declaring GBVF a national disaster last month. 

“As South Africa and the world observes 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence from 25 November to 10 December, it is a shame that our country has the dubious distinction of having one of the world’s highest levels of violence against women and girls,” the President said. 

According to data from the HSRC’s National GBV Study (2022), more than 35% of women over 18 have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, with most cases committed by intimate partners. The report, he said, provides the baseline needed to drive the country’s long-term response to GBVF through the National Strategic Plan adopted after the 2018 Presidential Summit. 

Reflecting on the long-term effects of gender-based violence, President Ramaphosa said the impact is “arguably even more corrosive” than the devastation caused by COVID-19.

“Gender-based violence destroys families, has an economic cost, causes instability and fear for women and girls, and reproduces inter-generational trauma,” he wrote.

He said classifying GBVF as a national disaster strengthens the mandates of key departments, including Police, Justice, Social Development, Health and Basic Education, to scale up survivor support, expand shelters and safe spaces, and fast-track emergency resource allocation.

All organs of state are now required to submit progress reports to the National Disaster Management Centre.

The President highlighted recent briefings to Parliament’s Multiparty Women’s Caucus, where the SAPS and the Department of Justice reported steps taken to improve case management and strengthen the criminal justice system’s response to GBVF.

These include:

• Expansion of victim-friendly facilities and specialised GBV desks at police stations
• Establishment of a GBVF Information Centre at SAPS Academy Pretoria
• Faster evidence processing and improved collaboration between SAPS and the NPA
• A new 24-hour service for obtaining protection orders
• Progress on anti-GBV legislation signed into law in 2022, including stronger sexual offences registers and more specialised courts

Despite this, President Ramaphosa acknowledged that implementation of the National Strategic Plan has been “uneven”, saying the disaster classification would help speed up funding flows for survivor services and improve access to justice. 

Men are central to the solution

President Ramaphosa again emphasised that men must play a leading role in prevention efforts, echoing remarks he made during the Men’s Indaba in the Free State last week.

“Unless we directly engage men, we will continue to have marches, hold protests and conduct social media campaigns, but the statistics will not change. Even as men are the main perpetrators of GBVF, they are also part of the solution,” he said. 

The President called for a nationwide, sustained programme of dialogues with men and boys to confront the drivers of violence including toxic masculinity, harmful cultural norms, peer pressure and socialisation.

President Ramaphosa further stressed that combating GBVF requires a whole-of-society response. 

“A national disaster demands national responsibility. Whether as communities, civil society, government, faith leaders, business, unions or citizens, we must all play our part,” he said. 

He urged South Africans to report abuse rather than “look away”, and to actively dismantle the attitudes that enable violence.

“The safety and security of women and children is everybody’s business. Let us continue to work together to realise a society free from gender-based violence and femicide,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

141 views

A comprehensive study which will shed light on the persistent challenges and opportunities for positive change in addressing HIV stigma and discrimination in South Africa, is expected to be launched on Tuesday.

The HIV Stigma Index 2.0 report highlights the experiences of over 5 000 participants from all nine provinces of South Africa, with a focus on 18 districts, both urban and rural. 

It also emphasises the importance of community-led initiatives and the need for a multisectoral approach to address stigma and discrimination. The findings and recommendations will inform policy and programming to improve the lives of people living with HIV.

The report will be launched at the National Research Foundation (NRF) by the People Living with HIV sector, led by the National Association of People Living with HIV and AIDS (NAPWA), in collaboration with the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and international partners.

The launch will bring together key stakeholders, including the Department of Health, civil society organisations, and people living with HIV, to discuss the findings and recommendations.

During last week’s World AIDS Day commemoration, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said the introduction of lenacapavir, a long-acting preventative treatment, will empower adolescent girls navigating relationships marked by power imbalances and protect key populations who face stigma and discrimination.

Lenacapavir is a revolutionary long-acting injectable drug that offers six months of protection and requires only two injections per year. 

In October this year, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) achieved regulatory readiness, making it the first in Africa and the third globally to register lenacapavir.

The Deputy President called on South Africa to confront HIV stigma with courage, fund research, and ensure treatment reaches everyone. 

He said government was working around the clock to implement policies that improve access, retention, and re-engagement with treatment.

This includes policies that directly address structural inequalities and work to dismantle stigma, particularly for the most vulnerable individuals, such as women and girls, people who use drugs, sex workers, and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and other identities (LGBTQIA+) community. – SAnews.gov.za
 

57 views

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has raised the alarm on the escalating levels of gun violence in the province.

This after a mass shooting in Tshwane over the weekend and the murder of a witness of the Madlanga Commission.

“The…Portfolio Committee on Community Safety is gravely concerned by the escalating levels of gun violence that continue to turn communities across the province into everyday crime scenes.

“The recent mass shooting in Saulsville, Pretoria, is yet another tragic reminder of the urgent need to rid our streets of illegal firearms,” the committee said in a statement.

At least 11 people died during the mass shooting with 14 others injured.

“Even more distressing is the fact that among the deceased are three minors and women, whose lives were cut short in a senseless act of brutality. The committee conveys its heartfelt condolences to the affected families and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.

“This tragic incident highlights a deeply concerning trend in which illegal guns continue to circulate freely within communities, enabling deadly attacks that devastate families and compromise the safety of citizens.

“The committee views this event as a serious call for concern and reaffirms its commitment to intensifying efforts towards advocating for and achieving a gun-free Gauteng,” the statement said.

The committee expressed shock at the “disturbing development” where a witness in the Madlanga Commission was murdered on Friday.

“Reports indicate that an AK-47 automatic rifle was used in the attack, once again demonstrating how high-calibre weapons are being used to commit violent crimes with impunity.

“Witness D was gunned down outside his home, an incident that highlights the critical need to remove illegal firearms from our streets,” the statement read.

The committee called on law enforcement to ensure that “perpetrators behind these heinous crimes are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice”.

“The committee also urged community members to cooperate fully with the police to aid in the urgent arrest of the three suspects linked to the Saulsville shooting.

“The committee maintains that the proliferation of illegal firearms poses a grave threat to the safety and well-being of all people living in Gauteng.

“Only through strong partnerships between communities, law enforcement and government can we begin to dismantle the networks responsible for supplying and using these deadly weapons,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

57 views

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has reiterated the call for greater investment in psychosocial services as South Africa confronts an escalating suicide crisis, one of the most severe on the continent.

The call comes as South Africa’s suicide rate stands at approximately 23.5 deaths per 100 000 people, placing the country among the highest in Africa.

According to data from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29.

Studies further show that nearly one in five learners has attempted suicide at least once, with many more reporting persistent sadness, depression, hopelessness, trauma, bullying, and the emotional impact linked to socio-economic hardship.

Young people with disabilities face heightened vulnerability due to persistent stigma, social exclusion, and limited access to appropriate support services.

In a statement on Sunday, the DWYPD expressed deep concern over the escalating rates of suicide among young people, emphasising that “suicide is preventable” when timely support is available.

“Protecting the mental well-being of young people requires a society-wide commitment. Families, schools, government departments, faith-based organisations, youth formations, and communities must collectively create safe, supportive environments where young people feel seen, heard, and valued,” the department said.
The department called for coordinated action across several priority areas, including: 
•    Expanded access to mental health support within schools, communities, and youth-serving institutions.
•      Strengthened early intervention systems to identify warning signs before crises occur.
•     Community – driven awareness campaigns to reduce stigma around mental illness and encourage help-seeking behaviour.
•    Support for families and caregivers, equipping them to respond compassionately and effectively.

The department also urged the public to remain alert to symptoms of emotional distress among young people, such as withdrawal, sudden changes in behaviour, expressions of hopelessness, substance abuse, and talk of self-harm.

“Early intervention is critical—and can save lives. A reminder to all young people that help is available, and they can reach out.”
Reaffirming its commitment to advancing the rights, protection, and empowerment of South Africa’s youth, the department stressed that preventing suicide requires shared responsibility.
“Together, we can safeguard the mental well-being of our young people and build a society where every youth has hope, opportunity, and support,” it said.

Anyone experiencing emotional distress or in need of immediate assistance is encouraged to contact the SADAG Suicide Crisis Line at 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393. – SAnews.gov.za

 

57 views