Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Buti Manamela has invited nominations of qualified and suitable individuals to fill vacancies on Community Education and Training (CET) College Councils, in a move aimed at strengthening governance, accountability, and renewal in the sector.

The department published a notice for the call in the Government Gazette last week.

Manamela said this forms part of the backbone of the Post School Education and Training (PSET) system, and their councils must be credible, competent, and reflective of the aspirations of the communities they serve.

“This effort is part of the broader CET renewal strategy of aligning colleges with the District Development Model (DDM), strengthening teaching and learning, expanding access to literacy and skills, and making CET colleges central to local development,” Manamela said.

The Minister described CET colleges as “bridge of hope” for thousands of South Africans, especially out-of-school youth, adult learners, and communities seeking literacy, second-chance opportunities, and pathways to skills.

The department called for nominations of South Africans with experience in governance, community development, education and training, industry, labour, and civic organisations.

“We are looking for individuals who can provide strategic guidance, ensure financial oversight, and help link CET colleges to the economic and social development strategies of their districts and municipalities,” the Minister said.

He stressed that governance in CET colleges goes beyond oversight.

“It is about being custodians of hope, ensuring these institutions respond to the real needs of young people, women, workers, and communities who are determined to learn, upskill, and thrive.”

“As we work towards the opening of the 2026 academic year, we remain committed to supporting CET councils once appointed, ensuring that their role contributes to a stable, well-functioning, and transformative sector,” Manamela said.

Nomination should be made using the nomination form obtainable from the department’s website at www.dhet.gov.za or email Nwandzule.M@dhet.gov.za, or Telane.LD@dhet.gov.za 

Nomination forms must be accompanied by a comprehensive curriculum vitae. Details on the nomination process and deadlines are outlined in the Government Gazette. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has championed transfrontier conservation areas as a model that can foster African intra-governmental unity and boost tourism while safeguarding biodiversity across boundaries.

The President addressed the launch of the Africa Keystone Partnership held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly held in New York.

“Nature knows no political barriers and we are united in a shared commitment to preserve nature for present and future generations.

“Nature is an intrinsic part of our cultural and social identity. It is vital to human well-being and progress,” he said.

The Africa Keystone Partnership advocates for the protection of some 162 additional areas in Africa.

“The 162 areas in Africa that are suggested for additional protection have been identified based on irreplaceability, connectivity, ecological integrity and resilience. Some of these areas are already supported by African Parks.

“However, all have funding and resource gaps. We have therefore come here to listen to the proposals on the African Keystone Partnership and to say that we are keen on further dialogue,” he said.

The President reflected on South Africa’s own conservation efforts in the Southern African region.

“As South Africa, we have a proud reputation as a leader in sustainable and responsible nature conservation, as is our duty as one of the world’s mega-biodiverse countries.

“Over the past 25 years, in the Southern African region, we have undertaken a remarkable journey and witnessed the many achievements of our Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) Programme.

“These wildlife areas that have been established across national borders have a transformative impact on conservation, regional integration and sustainable development,” President Ramaphosa said.

Expanding further on the TFCA Programme, the President said these areas have also sparked additional benefits with the idea being: “Nature knows no borders”.

The TFCAs in Southern Africa include:

• |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park (Namibia and South Africa).
• Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe).
• Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (Botswana and South Africa).
• Limpopo/Shashe Transfrontier Conservation Areas (Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe).

“The Transfrontier Conservation Areas serve as critical ecological corridors, enabling the free movement of wildlife and preserving biodiversity across borders. These areas have unlocked sustainable tourism opportunities.

“Investments in conservation economies have created jobs, improved livelihoods and empowered local communities to become stewards of their natural heritage.

“These parks succeed when they are led by Africans and benefit the people who live near the parks. Such parks symbolise unity, cooperation and shared responsibility among our nations,” President Ramaphosa said.

He expressed confidence that the 162 earmarked areas will “serve the same noble purpose”.

“Let us continue to champion this model of conservation, integration and development for the benefit of our people, for our ecosystems and for future generations,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for the global community to act urgently to stop the genocide perpetrated by Israel in Gaza, and for humanitarian assistance for the people of the Middle Eastern country.

The President was addressing the High-Level Meeting on the Two-State Solution at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Monday.

“This is a matter of great significance, not only for the people of Palestine, not only for the people of Israel, but for all people who cherish the ideals of freedom and self-determination.

“The international community must act now and in unison. It must act not only in the interests of international peace and security, but also to protect people whose very existence is now under threat.

“We welcome the demonstrable groundswell of support for the establishment of the much-awaited State of Palestine,” President Ramaphosa said.

Furthermore, the President called for collaboration for a “just, peaceful and lasting solution” to the conflict.

“The viability of a two-State solution depends on full and universal respect for international law.

“It requires the immediate and full implementation of resolutions of the United Nations, as well as the Provisional Measures and Advisory Opinions of the International Court of Justice.

“All States, including the State of Israel, must comply with our collective obligations under international law,” he asserted.

To restore the prospect of a two-State solution, South Africa calls for:

• Global recognition of Palestine and its sovereignty and territorial integrity;
• An immediate ceasefire; an end to the genocide and the release of hostages by Hamas and political prisoners by Israel;
• Full respect for international law, including UN resolutions and opinions and decisions of the International Court of Justice;
• Removal of obstacles to the two-State solution, including a halt to illegal settlements and removal of the separation wall, and
• Restoration of humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza.

Urgent action

President Ramaphosa expressed “grave concern” at reports that Gaza has reached acute starvation, with residents facing famine.

“South Africa joins calls for unhindered and expanded humanitarian access, encompassing all air, land and sea borders, to allow for vital aid and basic services to reach those living in Gaza.

“This is a conflict that has raged for almost as long as the United Nations has existed.

“It will be a blight on our collective conscience if self-determination, sovereignty and human rights continue to be denied to the Palestinian people,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa has urged world leaders to put cooperation at the centre of building a sustainable ocean economy, warning that the future of trade, energy security and livelihoods depends on how nations manage the seas today.

Speaking at the High-Level Ocean of the Future meeting at the United Nations in New York on Monday, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said South Africa is ready to work with G20 partners to drive an ocean economy that is “environmentally sustainable, socially just, inclusive, and a true driver of resilience”.

With South Africa holding the G20 Presidency in 2025, under the theme: ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’, George stressed that a just transition cannot be separated from the sustainable use of ocean resources.

“Ecological gains must be pursued alongside reducing inequality and exclusion. Fisheries, aquaculture and tourism must evolve equitably, supporting small-scale fishers and coastal communities, creating jobs in eco-tourism and aquaculture, and protecting marine biodiversity,” he said.

The Minister highlighted Marine Spatial Planning as a key tool to balance competing uses of the ocean, while protecting ecosystems. South Africa’s priorities include tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, expanding marine protected areas, and promoting sustainable aquaculture.

George also underlined the ocean’s central role in global trade and energy security, noting South Africa’s efforts to unlock opportunities in marine transport, aquaculture, tourism and offshore resources, “while embedding sustainability through stronger governance”.

As Chair of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment, South Africa is advancing cooperation in the Western Indian Ocean to safeguard shipping routes against piracy, IUU fishing, illegal dumping and cyber threats.

The Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment is a regional framework for maritime security cooperation signed in 2017 by 17 signatory States in the North-Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. It expands upon the original Djibouti Code of Conduct, broadening its scope from just piracy and armed robbery to include other illicit activities like human trafficking, IUU fishing and maritime terrorism.

On the domestic front, George said South Africa is also focusing on other activities such as greening of ports, improving efficiency, and promoting low-carbon shipping. 

“Together with the Africa Blue Economy Strategy, these efforts show that secure and sustainable maritime transport is the backbone of trade security and a shared responsibility of governments and business.

“South Africa’s Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan provides a national framework that integrates resilience, sustainability and equity. It mainstreams adaptation across planning, ensures access to marine resources for vulnerable groups, and aligns closely with UN Global Compact Principles 7 to 9 and the G20 agenda,” George said.

The plan promotes precautionary and technology-driven adaptation, elevates coastal resilience from a domestic priority to a global issue, and underscores the need for scaled-up climate finance, technology transfer and coordinated policy. 

“Predictable finance is essential so that municipalities and communities can access the resources they need to strengthen early warning, invest in resilient infrastructure, and protect ecosystems.

“The UN Global Compact has a critical role. By embedding its Ten Principles into business practice, and aligning innovation with public purpose, the compact helps ensure that finance, technology and markets serve people and planet, not profit alone,” George said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has reaffirmed its commitment to improving road safety and ensuring that the province’s transport networks do not become a playground for reckless drivers and criminals.

This follows a surge in drinking and driving arrests, with more than 293 motorists apprehended since 15 August, including 93 over the past weekend alone.

Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, commended the dedication and efficiency of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and acknowledged the strong support received from law enforcement partners.

“We value the enduring partnership with Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who deployed the South African Police Service. Traffic officers from eThekwini Metro, Umsunduzi, Kokstad and Ladysmith augmented our operations.

“We remain encouraged by contributions from private security companies such as KZN VIP Protection, Blue Security, Marshal Security, and many others; too many to mention,” Duma said.

Over the weekend alone, 33 drunk motorists were arrested in Kokstad, 24 in Durban (Umhlanga), 20 in Pietermaritzburg, and 16 in Ladysmith.

Duma also acknowledged the encouragement received from civil society, including ratepayers’ associations, non-governmental organisations, and members of the public, who have expressed support on social media for the province’s tough stance on drinking and driving.

“Importantly, we wish to single out Jacques Poupard of the Umhlanga Ratepayers & Residents Association (URRA), Julian Pillay, the National Director of the Vehicle Testing Association, and many others.

“Our Zero Tolerance, No Nonsense, and Alufakwa Campaign will continue to target suburbs, city centres, townships, and many other areas. We do want to make sure that criminal groups and individuals do not use our road networks to cause public disturbance or to commit crimes anywhere in the province,” Duma said.

Fifth learner from Pietermaritzburg scholar transport crash dies

Meanwhile, the death toll from the recent scholar transport accident in Imbali, Pietermaritzburg, has risen to five after a Grade 9 learner succumbed to her injuries.

Fifteen-year-old Nomalanga Ndawonde, a learner at Zibukezulu High School, passed away at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital after suffering severe brain injuries.

She was among the learners who survived when a Toyota Siyaya minibus taxi experienced brake failure while descending T22 Road in Unit 18, Imbali Township. The vehicle veered off the road, struck a tree, and crashed into Senzokuhle Pre-School.

Duma expressed heartfelt condolences to the Ndawonde family, noting that the department has dispatched a support team to assist the family during this difficult period.

“We were nursing hope that she was going to survive and rejoin her Grade 9 classmates. Sadly, she has left us,” Duma said.

He added that an integrated response team, including Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane, Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka, Umgungundlovu District Mayor Mzi Zuma, Umsunduzi Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla, and local councillors, has been mobilised to assist affected families and schools.

Four other learners who died in the crash have been laid to rest. – SAnews.gov.za