Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has successfully concluded a working visit to Los Angeles, California, in the United States. 

Lamola’s visit is part of South Africa’s commitment to proactive economic diplomacy aimed at actively building strategic partnerships.

“The visit powerfully showcased South Africa’s dynamic film, music and arts sectors, leveraging Los Angeles’s creative leadership to position the nation as a premier destination for international co-productions and cultural exchange,” the department said in a statement. 

During his visit, Lamola also met with influential South African diaspora members and leaders in Los Angeles. 

“This vital community, comprising executives, academics, entrepreneurs, and creatives, represents an underutilised cultural diplomatic asset. Mobilising this diaspora amplifies South Africa’s ‘soft power,’ strengthens its global brand, and fosters invaluable business linkages.” 

The department also reported that Lamola had successful meetings with Los Angeles City Mayor Karen Bass, and the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC). 

The department said these discussions were essential for South Africa’s efforts to enhance public-private partnerships in areas of shared interest.

“A core objective was to promote South Africa as an attractive investment destination aggressively.” 

The Minister highlighted various investment opportunities in renewable energy, technology, and tourism that align with California’s innovation-driven and sustainability-focused agenda.

The visit concluded with an outreach event at the Los Angeles World Affairs Council and Town Hall. 

The department stated that Lamola took this opportunity to emphasise that South Africa’s foreign policy is driven by its national interests.

This includes addressing poverty, unemployment, and inequality, which must support the advancement of global democracy, adherence to international law, and multilateralism, as well as the pursuit of international peace.

“Minister Lamola now looks forward to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, where he will meet with like-minded nations to bring attention to pressing global matters,” the department added. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

As part of Heritage Month celebrations, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina will today hand over the prestigious World Heritage Irrigation Structure (WHIS) Award to the Orange-Vaal Water Users Association in Siyancuma Local Municipality, ZF Mgcawu District, Northern Cape.

The WHIS award, conferred by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), recognises irrigation structures of cultural, historical, and technological significance.

The 134-year-old Douglas Weir, located at the confluence of the Vaal and Orange rivers, was honoured by the ICID last September at its 9th Asian Regional Conference in Sydney, Australia.

The nomination was submitted by the South African National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (SANCID), and the award was accepted by ICID Vice-President and SANCID Chairperson, Professor Sylvester Mpandeli.

Since then, the Douglas Weir has been included in the ICID Register of World Heritage Structures.

“This is the first time that a South African irrigation structure has received the award since the inception of the WHIS recognition category in 2012. The award will be officially handed to the Orange-Vaal Water Users Association responsible for managing the infrastructure.,” the department said in a statement on Wednesday.

Following the award handover, the Minister will officially open the refurbished Douglas Water Treatment Works (WTW).

The WTW serves as raw water abstraction supply points for water purification and supply to Douglas and surrounding communities.

The R28 million project involved the refurbishment of the ageing water purification plant, which had exceeded its 30-year design lifespan, and included general rehabilitation, the installation of a 200KVA (Kilovolt-Ampere) emergency generator, and expanded treatment capacity.

“The plant will filter a total capacity of 4 273 cubic metres per day of purified water to the population of 22 180 persons residing in 4 704 households within the area of Douglas,” the department said.

After the handover ceremonies, the Minister will engage with local residents and conduct an oversight visit at Douglas Weir.

The Minister will be joined by Water Research Commission Chairperson, Dr Rethabile Melamu, and Orange-Vaal Water Users Association CEO, Peter Joseph. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Statistics South Africa has recorded a slight decrease in annual consumer inflation for August – easing from some 3.5% to 3.3%.

This as fuel and food inflation slowed last month.

“The monthly change was also lower. The consumer price index (CPI) decreased by 0.1% between July and August, with four of 13 categories in the inflation basket registering monthly declines.

“These were food and non-alcoholic beverages [NAB] (-0,1%); furnishings, household equipment & routine maintenance (-0,1%); transport (-0,2%); and information & communication (-0,2%),” Stats SA said.

The annual rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) edged lower to 5.2% in August from 5.7% in July.

Lower rates were also recorded in cereal products; fish and other seafood; milk, other dairy products and eggs; fruits and nuts, and vegetables.

“The rate for cereal products retreated from 2.1% in July to 1.5% in August. Some staples are cheaper than a year ago, including hot cereals (-7.8%) and white rice (-7.2%). Bread and pasta products recorded zero or low-price increases. 

“Examples include white bread (0.0%), brown bread (+0.4%), macaroni (+0.5%) and spaghetti (+0.6%). Some items are notably more expensive, such as samp (+14.8%) and maize meal (+8.2%),” the institution said.

Although beef continues to have high annual rates, the monthly increase in August is the lowest since April.

“Beef mince recorded a 12-month change of 27.2% and a monthly rise of 0.2%. Stewing beef reached an annual rate of 32.3% while its monthly change was 0.6%. Beef steak prices were 28.6% higher than a year ago but down by 1.2% between July and August.

“These low monthly changes follow factory-gate inflation of -7.8% in July for beef carcasses,” Stats SA noted.

Furthermore, the price index for milk, other dairy products and eggs “declined by 1.1%, the lowest annual print since March 2011 when the rate was -1.4%. Prices for fresh full-cream milk decreased by 2.9% between August 2024 and August 2025”. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Johannesburg and Durban have been confirmed as the host cities for Africa’s two flagship tourism trade shows, Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) for the next five years, starting in 2026.

Meetings Africa, the continent’s leading business tourism platform, will mark its 20th edition at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, from 23–25 February 2026. Africa’s Travel Indaba, which focused on leisure tourism, will take place from 11–14 May 2025 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.

Both events serve as critical economic levers, generating leads, promoting investment, and boosting intra-African trade and connectivity.

The Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba are Africa’s leading trade platforms for business and leisure tourism respectively, bringing together buyers, exhibitors, media, and tourism stakeholders from across the continent and the world.

The decision follows a rigorous and competitive procurement process overseen by South African Tourism, which saw several cities and provinces across the country submitting compelling bids to host the flagship events.

Johannesburg and Durban were selected for their compelling bid commitments, exceptional track records, world-class infrastructure, and alignment with South Africa’s strategic tourism objectives.

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has congratulated both Johannesburg and Durban, highlighting that the events are not just about tourism, but economic opportunity, job creation, and positioning Africa as a globally competitive destination.

The Minister said the department looks forward to continuing its strong partnerships with both cities and the private sector for the next five years.

“We are committed to supporting the execution of innovative, fit-for-purpose trade shows that deliver real value for all delegates, whether they are buyers, exhibitors, or stakeholders across the tourism value chain.

“We will achieve these, together with the Tourism Business Council South Africa and the various tourism stakeholders,” de Lille said.

Johannesburg Tourism Company Chairperson, Nandipha Zonela, said securing Meetings Africa for another five years underscores the city’s global competitiveness.

“This demonstrates Johannesburg’s competitiveness as a global city – a city that has differentiated itself as an all-year-round travel market leader in South Africa, recording 4.29 million arrivals and achieving R69 billion total tourism spend in 2024. Joburg is honoured to remain the home and heartbeat of Meetings Africa – where Africa connects,” Zonela said.

KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Reverand Musa Zondi, said hosting Africa’s Travel Indaba is a major opportunity for the province to show the world and the tourism trade that KZN “is indeed an exceptional destination, to do business in and come for both leisure and business travel.”

“ATI also presents immeasurable opportunities for our emerging tourism entrepreneurs who can strike business deals that can propel their business to even greater heights. Having KZN as the backdrop of one of the biggest tourism trade shows also positions us as possible film destination for blockbuster movies that can also be shot in KZN,” Zondi said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Chief evidence leader of the Madlanga Commission, Advocate Terry Motau SC, has emphasised that the Commission will take an impartial approach to all the evidence that will be presented at the Commission.

Motau delivered an address at the commencement of the hearings held at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Tshwane today.

“[The] starting point must be the allegations made by Lt Gen Mkhwanazi at the 6 July media briefing. However, this investigation assumes no facts and does not depart from the premise that the allegations made by Lt Gen Mkhwanazi are true. Any findings made by the Commission must and will be based on evidence.

“When the Commission investigates an issue, the legal team remains impartial and will not presume a particular outcome. Witnesses may offer varying or conflicting accounts of events. The Commission’s role is to examine and explore all relevant versions and material,” Motau said.

READ | Madlanga Commission: Lt. General Mkhwanazi gives evidence

He highlighted that the Commission will also not function as a court.

“The Commission is not conducting a criminal trial of specific individuals, nor is it bound by the procedural and evidentiary rules that govern judicial proceedings. Rather, this Commission operates in an inquisitorial capacity: its primary objective is to uncover facts and establish an accurate record of events, thereby enabling informed recommendations.

“Throughout this process, the Commission will uphold the principles of natural justice and fairness for all parties. The Commission and its evidence-leading team approach these responsibilities without any preconceived agenda, other than the pursuit of truth,” he said.

Furthermore, findings will be made “transparently and accordingly identify and report those responsible”.

“Conversely, if the evidence does not substantiate the allegations, the Commission will equally make such findings accordingly.

“The Commission’s mandate is to establish the facts; not to prosecute. Nonetheless, its fact-finding will be rigorous and thorough so that, where appropriate, prosecutions or other corrective measures may follow,” Motau said.

The proceedings began with the evidence of KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Madlanga Commission has kicked off proceedings at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Tshwane today.

The commission kicked off on Wednesday with an address by Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga setting out the map for the commission.

The establishment of the commission follows serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about an alleged criminal syndicate that has spread influence into law enforcement, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and intelligence services.

“The interest shown by the South African public in this investigation is not surprising. I say so because the allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on 6 July 2025 concern a grave subject matter: the subject of the alleged infiltration of, or exertion of undue influence on, the criminal justice system.

“If the allegations are proved to be true, that spells doom for South Africa’s criminal justice system. A healthy criminal justice system is key to the rule of law and, in turn, to a functioning constitutional democracy,” Madlanga said.

READ | Madlanga Commission: Lt. General Mkhwanazi gives evidence

He warned that if a criminal justice system is “populated by malleable and corrupt functionaries, many criminals – especially those holding positions of influence – will rarely, if ever, answer for their criminal deeds”.

“Also, malleability, corruption and dysfunctionality in the criminal justice system are at odds with what we, South Africans, expect of and are entitled to from a criminal justice system.

“At the centre of any functioning constitutional democracy is a well-functioning criminal justice system. If you subvert the criminal justice system, you subvert the rule of law and constitutional democracy itself,” he said.

Pressing further, the chairperson highlighted that subversion of justice may take other forms.

“Without purporting to be exhaustive, it may come as downright intimidation. It may consist of improper promises or inducements. It may take the form of corruptly influencing the decision-making or functioning of those responsible for the smooth running of the system. All these forms and others are a cancer to what a proper criminal justice system should be.

“Ours, from today onwards, is to investigate whether our criminal justice system is what it should be or whether it has been infiltrated by criminal syndicates. Words from us must end here, and we must start with the investigative process,” Madlanga said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

In a move to confront infrastructure challenges within Gauteng, the provincial government is deploying a “multi-faceted and practical strategy” to fix failing infrastructure, root out construction mafia syndicates and deal with project mismanagement.

In a statement, the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) said the repair of failing infrastructure and the revitalisation of Central Business Districts is at the heart of a 13-point plan unveiled by Premier Panyaza Lesufi during the State of the Province Address in February.

“This strategy redefines infrastructure as a fundamental catalyst for sparking economic development, generating employment and transforming society,” the provincial government said.

The province also noted that Lesufi has consistently acknowledged the “severe state of disrepair in some of the province’s infrastructure, correctly identifying it as a detriment to economic growth”.

“The causes are complex and multifaceted, including historical inadequate maintenance, rampant vandalism by sophisticated syndicates, pressure from so-called ‘business forums’ (construction mafias), and significant project management failures.

“The provincial government is confronting these legacy challenges directly through a multi-faceted and practical strategy. This plan is focused on completing unfinished projects, securing existing assets. and ensuring the province’s infrastructure is sustainable for the future,” the provincial government explained.

Interventions already underway include the establishment of an Infrastructure War Room, aimed at managing risks and driving turnaround strategies for critical infrastructure projects, including “unlocking funding, with a specific focus on Public-Private Partnerships”.

“The Department of Infrastructure Development [DID] has also introduced the Infrastructure Delivery Platform (IDEP), a tool that will fast-track all distressed projects while significantly enhancing transparency and communication with client departments. 

“The department has also taken decisive action by terminating the contracts of non-compliant service providers. This includes compiling a list of these restricted suppliers for National Treasury to initiate an official blacklisting process, ensuring these poor performers are excluded from future work,” the provincial government said.

The Gauteng Infrastructure Financing Agency (GIFA) has also been centralised within the DID, while work is also underway to tackle construction mafia syndicates.

“GIFA has been tasked with revitalising and commercialising the government’s property precinct in the Johannesburg CBD. This innovative, results-oriented strategy aims to convert underutilised assets from liabilities into income-generating assets, stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and generating revenue for the state.

“To combat construction mafia syndicates, the matter is being escalated to the Gauteng Essential Infrastructure Task Team. Led by SAPS, this multi-agency unit targets crimes like cable theft, vandalism, and illegal connections. 

“It comprises police, traffic officials, and experts from Eskom and Transnet who conduct intelligence-led operations to disrupt crimes and recover stolen materials,” the GPG said.

Additionally, Heads of Department will now be held accountable for unfinished projects and some youth employed within the Nasi Spani, will be deployed to maintain infrastructure.

“Premier Lesufi decided that the performance contracts for all Heads of Department would include a clause to reduce and eliminate unfinished infrastructure projects within their departments. He also stated that consequence management would be implemented for those responsible for any unfinished projects.

“The recently launched Nasi Ispani 2.0 initiative includes the Unemployed Youth Skills Development Initiative, which will enrol 2 810 unemployed youth for high-impact, hands-on training in critical trades like plumbing, electrical installation, construction, and plastering. 

“These are the very young people who will be deployed to finish and maintain the provincial infrastructure, reducing the government’s long-term dependence on external contractors,” the GPG said. – SAnews.gov.za