Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

In line with the 2025 Mandela Day theme, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is taking action to restore dignity and improve lives through the third edition of its life-changing surgical marathons. 

This year’s commemoration is held under the theme: ‘It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity’.

In alignment with this theme, the department will prioritise critical surgical interventions, including prostate, cleft palate, cataract and stoma procedures, which are essential to improving the quality of life of vulnerable patients, who have long been waiting for care.

“Gauteng public hospitals, in collaboration with private partners, have pledged to conduct over 1 000 surgical procedures, which include cataract surgeries, colostomy reversals, cleft palate repairs, urology procedures, breast surgeries, and general surgeries encompassing hernia repairs, ENT, orthopedics, gynaecology, arthroplasty and other specialties. 

“This reflects the commitment by health professionals to improve the health and quality of life for vulnerable individuals in our communities,” the department said. 

Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko will conduct a walkabout and oversight visit to theaters and wards to ensure the effective implementation of the surgical marathon. 

She will also assess the quality of care being provided and engage with healthcare staff and patients about their experiences and needs during this critical initiative.

Furthermore, the MEC will proceed to reopen the refurbished Urology Unit at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital for advanced prostate biopsies, which will significantly reduce the need for repeat procedures due to inconclusive results. 

Additionally, the newly upgraded Breast Centre for Excellence will also be reopened at Helen Joseph Hospital to provide comprehensive diagnostic, treatment and surgical services specifically for breast cancer patients.

In line with the announcement made during the 2025/26 GDoH Budget Vote, Nkomo-Ralehoko will conclude the day by launching the Treatment Time Guarantee (TTG) Framework.

“This initiative draws from the best global practices and ensures equitable access to surgical care and [institutional] time-based clinical accountability. It means that going forward, patients will be given clear timeframes as to when their operations will be performed. 

“In this way, treatment times will be standardised across facilities. This will further provide clarity on what constitutes waiting times and backlogs,” the department said. 

The Mandela Day Surgical Marathon activities will commence with a walkabout at theatres and the opening of the Urology Unit at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, followed by the opening of the refurbished Breast Unit at the Helen Joseph Hospital Breast Clinic. 

This will be followed by a walkabout at theaters and wards at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and Dr. SK Matseke Hospital. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

While the relationship between South Africa and China has mutually benefited both nations through increased trade and investment, Deputy President Paul Mashatile has acknowledged a persistent trade deficit that favours China.

“South Africa’s trade imbalance with China is mostly attributable to the nature of our trading relationship. South Africa mainly exports raw materials and minerals while importing manufactured goods and capital goods from China,” he said. 

He noted that South Africa’s trade deficit with China increased from under US$1 billion between 1988 and 2000 to US$9.71 billion by 2023.

“Since FOCAC’s (Forum on China-Africa Cooperation) inception, this trade imbalance has resulted in an accumulated cash outflow of US$114.83 billion from South Africa to China,” he said. 

The Deputy President was speaking at the South Africa-China Investment Forum during the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) visit to Beijing on Thursday.

He used the platform to call for urgent action between South Africa and China to ensure a mutually beneficial outcome. 

“We need to develop a more coordinated and strategic approach. We need to address challenges such as access to the Chinese market due to factors like tariffs and non-tariff barriers, distance, and competition from other countries.” 

This necessitates expanding South Africa’s export portfolio, encouraging value-added exports, and establishing a more balanced trade relationship. 

The Deputy President believes the two nations need to expand partnerships in various sectors.

“It is through strategic trade and investment partnerships with China that we can both create a balance and subsequently play a significant role towards South Africa’s economic growth, job creation, and overall development.”

He acknowledged the role of Chinese investment in South Africa, which includes various businesses and key sectors such as banking, manufacturing, and renewable energy. 

Deputy President Mashatile stated that South Africa’s mineral exports, agricultural products, and manufactured goods have made significant inroads into the Chinese market. 

He also noted that since President Cyril Ramaphosa’s investment mobilisation drive, there has been a steady influx of investment from Chinese companies.

The investment forum offers an additional opportunity to strengthen the investment relationship by facilitating exchanges and sector-specific discussions aimed at exploring the many available investment opportunities.

Deputy President Mashatile said a major significant investment was made by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), which purchased a 20% stake in the assets and earnings of Standard Bank for US$5.5 billion.

Meanwhile, he said another major Chinese electronics manufacturer, Hisense, entered the South African market in 1997 and established an industrial park in 2013. 

Other Chinese flagship companies such as Zhong Xing Communications (ZTE) and Huawei Technologies are also expanding their presence in South Africa. 

Over the last decade, 48 Chinese companies invested in South Africa with a capital investment of over US$11.69 billion.

“As South Africa-China relations continue to deepen, new opportunities emerge for Chinese businesses seeking to enter the South African market, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, energy storage, infrastructure and logistics, our special economic zones, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and the beneficiation of critical minerals, as well as in the digital economy.”

He told delegates that South Africa wants to continue to build on the economic relations that have seen substantial growth since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1998. 

“We value this longstanding relationship because it has been established on a shared vision for a prosperous future.”

Both nations are involved in several multilateral institutions, including the United Nations (UN), the Group of 20 (G20), and BRICS, an intergovernmental organisation made up of ten countries. 

South Africa and China utilises these platforms to collaborate on global issues and advocate for the interests of developing countries.

He also took the time to encourage investors who are interested in expanding to the rest of the African continent to capitalise on the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is anticipated to provide access to the African market for companies in the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors and infrastructure. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

As South Africans commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day today, government leaders across the country are rolling up their sleeves to uplift communities through acts of service and solidarity.

Marked annually on 18 July, Mandela Day is a global celebration of the life and legacy of former President Nelson Mandela. It is a call to action for individuals, communities, and organisations to reflect on Madiba’s values and principles, and to contribute to meaningful change in society.

This year’s commemoration is held under the theme: ‘It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity’.

In line with this call, various Ministers, Premiers, and Members of the Executive Council (MECs) are taking part in community-driven initiatives across the country.

The Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, who also serves as the District Development Model (DDM) Champion for Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan, is joining the Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan, Babalwa Lobishe, for Mandela Day activities at the metro. 

Their programme includes a clean-up campaign at the Kragga Kamma Road Drop-off Centre Transfer Station in Gqeberha, as well as the launch of the Knorrox Community Kitchen at St Matthias Anglican Church in Motherwell, a key initiative promoting food security.

In Cape Town, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, is leading the department’s Mandela Day commemorations by spending 67 minutes helping to improve a homeless shelter, MES Mould Bellville Safe Space. MES Mould Bellville is a non-profit organisation (NPO) established to support homeless individuals by providing shelter and empowerment services, such as waste management and food gardening.

The organisation is one of over 400 NPOs contracted through the department’s entity, the Independent Development Trust (IDT), with support from the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to create meaningful work opportunities for the unemployed.

This engagement forms part of the department’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of community members across the country through infrastructure development.

Meanwhile, in the North West, Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi is leading a Mandela Day outreach at an elderly care centre in Mazista village, under the Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality. Mokgosi is accompanied by Members of the Executive Council and Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality Mayor, Thabo Jacobs, as well as senior government officials, who will carry out renovations at the centre, donate equipment for the vegetable garden and groceries.

Across the country, these acts of kindness reflect the enduring spirit of Nelson Mandela and his belief that everyone has the power to make a difference. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, July 18, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, has welcomed the opening of a groundbreaking new facility in Pretoria. 

This facility is dedicated to enhancing South Africa’s scientific capacity and equipping the next generation of researchers with advanced skills in molecular science and laboratory management.

Speaking at the official opening of the Centre for Advanced Training and Innovative Research (CATIR), Gina described the initiative as a milestone in the country’s journey to build a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation.

CATIR is a partnership among the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), and Thermo Fisher Scientific, a United States-based company specialising in clinical and life sciences research.

“By investing in this centre, we are investing in the future of South African science, empowering our researchers, nurturing young talent, and fostering an environment where innovation can thrive,” said the Deputy Minister. 

Already benefiting from this initiative are students from previously disadvantaged universities such as Sefako Makgatho, Venda, and Limpopo.

“This launch is especially significant, as it aligns with our Decadal Plan 2022–2032, which aims to build a transformed, inclusive and coherent National System of Innovation that responds to the needs of society and the economy,” Gina said.

The CATIR will serve as a dedicated hub to provide practical, hands-on training in advanced molecular techniques and laboratory management, bridging the gap between academic study and real-world application. 

Once fully operational, the facility will have the capacity to train up to 160 students annually. 

The first cohort of 20 students is expected to complete training before the end of 2025.

Gina highlighted the role of the SAMRC as a trusted project management partner, citing its proven track record in implementing capacity-building programmes that have benefited young scientists from historically under-resourced universities, including Zululand, Limpopo, Venda and Walter Sisulu.

She welcomed Thermo Fisher as a partner in this endeavour, saying their expertise and resources would undoubtedly enhance the capabilities of CATIR and open new avenues for scientific discovery, as well as the future of South Africa’s young scientist community.

President and CEO of SAMRC, Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, highlighted the vital need to enhance South Africa’s scientific skill set.

Ntusi said the development of the CATIR reflected the SAMRC’s belief in the value of investing in the infrastructure and expertise that will help our country address local gaps in critical areas of science.

“The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that we needed to do more to build skills in clinical and molecular testing to improve the resilience of our health system against the diseases of today and tomorrow. The opening of this important new educational facility is a landmark moment in our journey to achieving this important goal.”

Urmi Prasad Richardson, President of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Thermo Fisher Scientific, stressed the importance of public-private collaboration in strengthening health systems.

Richardson stated that the opening of the CATIR demonstrates the importance of public-private partnerships in helping to build a more resilient health system in South Africa and underpins their mission to enable customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer.

“Alongside the SAMRC, we are proud to be investing our time, resources and knowledge into this important new facility to meet our shared goal of building locally relevant capabilities and expertise amongst the next generation of South Africa’s scientists,” she added. 

The establishment of CATIR underscores the importance of partnership in building the skills and resilience required to address the health challenges of today and tomorrow.

Gina called on all stakeholders to continue working together across sectors and disciplines to build a brighter, healthier, and more prosperous future for all. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom has reiterated its commitment to working with the community of Majakaneng, in the North West, following a protest against power outages in the area.

The protest resulted in the closure of the N4 road.

“In response, the Eskom North West team engaged with community members to listen to their concerns and provide clarity on the electricity supply issues. The primary cause of the outages is the overloading of the local electricity network, which has necessitated the implementation of load reduction measures to prevent system failure.

“These measures are essential to protect the infrastructure.

“Eskom remains committed to constructive and peaceful engagement with the Majakaneng community and its leadership. Through continued dialogue and cooperation, we aim to address the root causes of the electricity disruptions and work toward sustainable solutions,” the power utility said.

Eskom highlighted that the engagement follows several other meetings held with community leaders and emphasised that it will continue working closely with these leaders to address network overloading, accelerate the rollout of smart meters, and explore ways to expand electricity capacity in Majakaneng.

Furthermore, the power utility noted that although there are more than 3 500 registered customers in the area, a mere 697 are actively purchasing electricity. 

“Additionally, illegal connections have placed further strain on the network, contributing to the overload and resulting in outages. To safeguard the system from a complete shutdown, Eskom is forced to implement load reduction.

“We also emphasise that for services to be sustained and improved, they must be paid for. Eskom urges all residents to use electricity legally and responsibly, and to support efforts aimed at restoring and maintaining a reliable supply.

“Eskom remains committed to transparency, safety, and service delivery, and will continue to provide updates as progress is made,” the power utility said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, July 18, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

With the surge in natural disasters in the last decade, the Governor of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), Lesetja Kganyago, has called on leaders in the Group of Twenty (G20) to bridge the gap in the natural catastrophe insurance protection gap.

The gap refers to the difference between total economic losses and insured losses caused by natural catastrophe (NatCat) events.

“Addressing the Natural Catastrophe Insurance protection gap is both urgent and consequential for both developed and emerging market economies.

“The frequency and intensity of natural disasters are increasing, causing significant damage to property and infrastructure, impacting lives and livelihoods, and resulting in tremendous loss of life. The risks are global, but the burden is deeply unequal,” Kganyago explained.

The Governor was speaking during the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meetings in Durban on Thursday. 

He was addressing senior leaders from governments, central banks and supervisors,  the private sector, and international organisations at a side event that discussed strategies and solutions for addressing  the widening insurance protection gap.

NatCat protection gaps present a global challenge, affecting both advanced and emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs), and therefore require global responses. 

In recent decades, damages and losses from NatCat events have surged due to the growing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change.

While insurance markets play a crucial role in mitigating the financial impacts stemming from these damages, their ability to offer adequate coverage is increasingly being challenged, leading to a widening insurance protection gap against NatCat events.

“In many emerging and developing economies, the costs of these disasters are magnified by limited financial and significant lack of insurance protection.

“Globally, it is estimated that over half of natural disaster losses remain uninsured. In EMDEs, that figure often exceeds 70%. South Africa, for example, is estimated at 71% and India at around 91%. This leaves households, businesses and governments dangerously exposed, compounding economic shock and slowing development for years or even decades,” the Governor said.

Emerging market and developing economies face disproportionately higher protection gaps due to low insurance penetration, affordability challenges, underdeveloped insurance markets, and insufficient access to risk models and data.

Significant insurance protection gaps are also observed in advanced economies, including Europe. In recent years, promoting insurance protection against NatCat events has become an important priority for policymakers and the international community.

“From a central banking perspective and financial stability perspective, this is not a peripheral issue but a core issue. Uninsured losses from natural disasters can undermine economic stability, threaten the solvency of financial institutions and disrupt credit flows.

“Moreover, when governments must step in with emergency funds or debt finance reconstruction, it places additional strain on already limited fiscal space,” he said.

For central banks, policymakers and supervisors, bridging this protection gap is part of building macro financial resilience, the Governor said.

Call for improved mechanisms

“It calls for stronger risk sharing mechanisms, improved data and modelling of climate related risks and innovative insurance solutions such as parametric instruments, catastrophe bonds and regional risk pools.

“More importantly, it requires a coordinated and collaborative effort across governments, insurance supervisors, the private sector, international organisations, multilateral development institutions and local communities to embed financial resilience into our climate and development strategies,” Kganyago said.

He encouraged the global leaders to recognise that resilience is not built in the aftermath of disasters but in the deliberate and proactive planning and actions before they occur.

“Insurance is not a luxury; it is a foundational and critical tool for sustainable development. Let’s think boldly about how we can address this protection gap beyond innovative products to include appropriate policies and regulations that are inclusive, accessible and tailored to jurisdictional instances, especially considering the realities of EMDEs,” the Governor said.

The G20 South African Presidency, in collaboration with the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) and the World Bank Group (WBG), hosted this side event during the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meetings.

The event focused on improving financial resilience and enhancing broader disaster risk mitigation strategies by identifying and addressing insurance protection gaps.

Input paper 

South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024 until 30 November 2025 under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”.

This initiative forms part of the G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG) priority of scaling up finance for adaptation and just transitions, as discussed in an IAIS-WBG input paper, which will be published next week.

The paper serves as a ‘guide for action’ to help jurisdictions narrow NatCat insurance protection gaps. The paper outlines practical and implementable actions that governments, supervisors, and the insurance industry can take, with a particular focus on EMDEs. 

From 21 July 2025, the input paper can be accessed on the G20 SFWG website: https://g20sfwg.org/document-repository/.
– SAnews.gov.za