Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

As part of National Social Development Month, the Department of Social Development has hosted a Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign at Bosman, Pretoria. 

Speaking at the event on Friday, the department’s Trafficking in Persons Coordinator, Buti Kulwane, highlighted the department’s critical role in combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals.

He emphasised that while law enforcement plays a critical role in addressing trafficking cases, the department focuses on the provision of care, support, and rehabilitation services for victims.

“As the department, we are committed to both preventing and combating the crime of trafficking in persons. 

“Our role is to ensure that victims receive the necessary care and support to overcome trauma, rebuild their lives, and become mentally prepared to assist the criminal justice process by providing key evidence,” Kulwane said. 

Kulwane said that many victims of trafficking experience severe emotional and psychological trauma, adding that the department offers trauma-informed care to assist them in their recovery. 

“We operate shelters where victims can receive the care they need. Some of these shelters are managed by the government, while others are run by non-governmental organisations. Regardless of who operates them, they all follow a trauma-informed approach,” he said.

He added that the choice of Bosman Station as the venue for the launch of Social Development Month was strategic, as it serves as a major transport hub with thousands of daily commuters travelling between South Africa’s provinces and neighbouring countries. 

“We are targeting commuters using buses, taxis, and trains. Transport stations can become points of entry or exit for trafficked persons, and that is why it is important to have our officials here, engaging directly with the public,” Kulwane stated.

During the campaign, department officials are on-site, engaging with commuters, distributing educational materials, and encouraging the public to report suspicious activities.

The key message being promoted is that everyone has a role to play in preventing human trafficking. 

“We encourage people to report when they see someone in distress or suspect they may be a victim of trafficking,” he added.

Kulwane referenced a recent case involving a Chinese national connected to human trafficking activities in Malawi. He used the case to illustrate the international nature of the crime and the need for cross-border collaboration and vigilance.

In line with international efforts, South Africa observes World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July each year, aligning its national activities with global awareness campaigns.

In addition, the country has established its own National Human Trafficking Awareness Week, observed during the first week of October. The current campaign is one of many taking place during this week as part of the Qaphela campaign, which promotes awareness, education, and community mobilisation.

Kulwane concluded by stating that the department’s efforts are part of a broader national and international strategy involving multiple stakeholders.

“This campaign is not only for the police or the department. It includes civil society organisations, other government departments, and international partners, all working together to tell the story of what we are doing to fight human trafficking,” he said.

The initiative reflects the Department of Social Development’s ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and fostering safer communities through education, support, and collaborative action. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to undertake working visits to Ireland on 08 October 2025 and to the Belgium on 09 October 2025.

In a statement on Tuesday, The Presidency said the President will on Wednesday hold official talks in Ireland with Irish President Michael D. Higgins and Prime Minister Micheál Martin.

“This official visit will consolidate the long-standing and strong relationship between South Africa and Ireland, particularly in science and innovation, higher education and skills development, and trade and investment. 

“The visit will elevate cooperation to a strategic partnership, creating new opportunities to enhance trade and investment between the two countries, and highlighting South Africa’s strategic partnership with the European Union (EU), of which Ireland is a member,” the Presidency said. 

The leaders are also set to discuss global and regional geopolitics as well as bilateral and multilateral cooperation. 

A historically significant relationship, rooted in mutual respect and common values, binds the two countries. Ireland’s principled stance in support of the anti-apartheid movement exemplified this bond, reflecting its deep commitment to human rights and social justice.

“The ongoing collaboration between the two countries shows how important working together is to address shared challenges and to foster understanding and cooperation for a more harmonious future,” the Presidency said. 

Bilateral trade between South Africa and Ireland grew by 12% to $638 million in 2024 from $567 million in 2023. South Africa increased its exports to Ireland by 40.4%, from $119 million in 2023 to $168 million in 2024. South Africa’s imports from Ireland also grew by 5%, from $448 million in 2023 to $470 million in 2024.

Ireland is an invited guest country to the G20, alongside Nigeria, Egypt, Norway, the Netherlands, Spain, Singapore, and the UAE.

While on the working visit, President Ramaphosa will also meet with leading Irish companies to promote investment and collaboration.

Working Visit to Belgium 

At the invitation of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, President Ramaphosa will participate in the Global Gateway Forum (GGF) in Brussels, Belgium, from 9 to 10 October 2025.

The European Union’s Global Gateway initiative serves as its external investment strategy, aimed at enhancing smart, clean, and secure connections across digital, energy, and transport sectors, while strengthening health, education, and research systems worldwide.

Led by President von der Leyen, the GGF brings together Heads of State and Government, senior representatives from governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society to explore innovative strategies for scaling up European investments in partner countries.

Building on the success of the inaugural forum in 2023, this year’s event will focus on advancing global connectivity amid growing geopolitical and geo-economic challenges. Heads of State and Government from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe, as well as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, are expected to attend. A high-level South African business delegation will also participate.

The visit to Brussels follows recent engagements between President Ramaphosa and President von der Leyen on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, as well as the successful 8th South Africa–EU Summit, held in March 2025. 

The summit reaffirmed the strong Strategic Partnership between South Africa and the European Union. As a bloc, the EU remains South Africa’s largest trade and investment partner, as well as an important development cooperation partner.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola; Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande; Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela; and Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi, along with senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

In a bold move towards transforming the commuter experience, eThekwini Municipality has officially launched its Public Transport Information Centre. 

The centre is housed within the City’s Traffic Management Centre in the Durban Central Business District.

The centre launch coincides with national Transport Month and is designed to provide commuters with reliable and accessible information about Durban’s public transport system.

Speaking at the launch on Monday, eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cyril Xaba, highlighted the significance of the centre being people focused.

“Public transport is not only about buses, taxis, and trains. At its heart, it is about people, connecting them to work, schools, healthcare, family, and recreation. Reliable information is a necessity, and this centre will ensure that commuters are informed, empowered, and able to travel with confidence,” he said.

The Public Transport Information Centre will provide updates on the city’s public transport bus services, incidents affecting travel on the city’s roads, and respond to queries about the city’s cashless payment system, MUVO, through its easy-to-use communication channels, including a toll-free number and a public transport email helpdesk.

Mayor Xaba explained how the system will operate.

“By integrating data from the Metro Police, the city’s public transport bus operators, and the Transport Management Centre, our centre can deliver timely, accurate updates that commuters can trust. This is about efficiency, transparency and dignity for every person who relies on public transport in Durban,” Xaba said.

The initiative is built on collaboration across the city’s transport ecosystem, with metro police providing incident data, operators sharing service information, and the Traffic Management Centre offering real-time monitoring.

Xaba emphasised that the launch reflects eThekwini Municipality’s broader commitment to building a modern, inclusive and commuter-centred transport system. 

“During Transport Month, we celebrate the innovation and the partnerships that are shaping the future of transport in the city. The Information Centre is an example of how technology and collaboration can directly benefit residents,” he said.

The Public Transport Information Centre can be contacted on toll free number: 087 121 9446, or email at Info@godurban.co.za – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has confirmed that South African citizens who were detained in Israel have safely arrived in Jordan. 

According to the department, South Africa‘s Ambassador to Jordan, Tselane Mokuena, was present to receive the delegation on behalf of the country. 

On Monday, the department announced that these Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) activists would be released and repatriated, departing for Jordan on Tuesday morning.

“The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has been formally notified by the Israeli authorities regarding the status of the South African citizens who participated in the recent Global Flotilla initiative,” the statement read. 

South Africans who were on board the flotilla include Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, Zukiswa Wanner, Reaaz Moolla, Zaheera Soomar, Fatima Hendricks and Carrie Shelver.

The GSF set sail from Barcelona, Spain, in early September and was intercepted by the Israeli navy in international waters as it approached Gaza. 

Reports indicate that Israeli police arrested over 470 people who were on board the flotilla boats.

Minister Ronald Lamola has expressed gratitude to all parties, both domestically and internationally, for their cooperation in ensuring the safe return of South African citizens.

“The South African government remains committed to the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad,” the department said. 

The GSF is an international initiative led by civil society, launched in June of this year.

The movement aims to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, raise awareness about the urgent needs of the Palestinian people, and emphasise the necessity of ending the conflict in Gaza.

Yesterday, the Israeli Foreign Ministry announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that 171 activists from the flotilla, including the Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, were deported from Israel to Greece and Slovakia.

The deportees are citizens of Greece, Italy, France, Ireland, Sweden, Poland, Germany, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Austria, Luxembourg, Finland, Denmark, Slovakia, Switzerland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Serbia, and the United States. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The South Africa Abalone Export Council has set its sights on the European market as part of its market diversification strategy. 

The Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Rhomona Gounden, is currently representing the sector at the prestigious Anuga Food and Beverage Trade Fair in Cologne, Germany, together with 30 other South African companies. 

The world’s largest global food and beverage trade show started on Saturday, 4 October, and will end on Wednesday, 8 October 2025.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has set up a national pavilion where South African agro-processing companies are showcasing their proudly South African products. 

This is part of the department’s efforts to assist companies seek markets in various parts of the world, as part of the country’s export diversification initiatives.

Gounden describes her presence at Anuga as both a strategic mission and a brand awareness drive for South African abalone, a premium seafood delicacy prized across Asia but still relatively unknown in Europe. 

Her booth has attracted some strange attention from the trade show visitors.

She said the next step lies in educating the European market and building consumer awareness and appreciation for South African abalone. She admits that the council has its work cut out for it in an attempt to market the product in Europe.

“Not many people know about abalone here in Europe. That is exactly the reason why we had to participate in this popular and big trade fair with the assistance of the dtic. We have a lot of work to do. We are making all efforts to explore Europe as a potential market, in order to diversify our export markets into the European Union. 

“We are on a mission to seek export opportunities in Europe and are confident that we will gradually penetrate this market with France being our potential gateway, as they are fond of exotic foods.

“We are not just selling a premium product but rather building a premium brand for South African abalone in Europe. This journey is about creating awareness, fostering curiosity, and ultimately developing an alternate market for farmed abalone,” explains Gounden.

The South African Abalone Export Council was established in 2006. It represents six member companies, namely Aqunion, HIK, I&J, Sea Harvest, West Coast Abalone, and Wild Coast Abalone), representing twelve farms, primarily in the Western Cape and one in the Eastern Cape.

The industry produces around 3 000 tonnes of abalone annually. 99% of all farmed abalone is exported to traditional markets, such as China, Japan, Canada and Singapore. It is a labour-intensive industry that employs 2 500 people. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, October 6, 2025