Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 15, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 15, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 15, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 15, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 15, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

As South Africa marks Public Service Month, President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured citizens that government is hard at work to strengthen the public service system and has reiterated the commitment to closing the skills gaps, rooting out corruption and returning the public service to its core principle: Batho Pele.

The President addressed the nation through his weekly newsletter on Monday. 

He noted that while there are challenges, there are “dedicated public servants who work tirelessly in service of our nation”. 

“We thank them for the work they do to improve the lives of South Africans. But our public service faces significant challenges. These include skills gaps, outdated systems and processes, inconsistent service delivery and corruption. In many parts of the state, the values of Batho Pele – putting people first – have been eroded.

“That is why we are strengthening the professional foundations of our public service. Through the reforms underway we are working to attract the right skills, implement rigorous performance management and create career pathways that reward merit and excellence. Through the National School of Government, we are investing in training and development,” President Ramaphosa said.

September marks Public Service Month in the country which focusses on the “essential contribution” that South Africa’s 1.7 million public servants make to deliver services to South Africans.

READ | Government launches Public Service Month

“It is through public servants that government provides healthcare, education, policing, social services and countless other essential functions that touch every South African’s life. 

“When our public service operates at its best, it is a powerful instrument for social and economic development. When it falters, it is often our most vulnerable citizens who bear the brunt,” he said.

Close collaboration

President Ramaphosa noted that as government works to build a “professional, accountable and capable public service”, the public service must be brought closer to the people it serves.

“We must challenge the idea that public servants are providers and citizens are mere beneficiaries of goods and services. The National Dialogue, which was launched in August, provides an opportunity to change the relationship between public servants and the public,” he said.

The National Dialogue paves the way for South Africans all over the country to meet to discuss the issues they face and find a path to take the country forward.

READ | National dialogue outcomes to be determined by citizens: President Ramaphosa

The dialogues will culminate in a National Convention to be held next year which will “finalise a social compact that outlines clear actions and responsibilities for all sectors of society”.

“The thousands of public dialogues taking place across the country will also provide an opportunity for communities to address the immediate challenges that they face where they live. 

“Through the National Dialogue process, each community is encouraged to work with all relevant stakeholders – ward councillors, municipal officials, civic bodies, community organisations and provincial and national departments – on a common plan to address these challenges.

“By working together in an integrated way, drawing together resources from within and outside the state, these stakeholders can find ways to solve local problems. Public servants have a vital role to play in working towards solutions alongside and in cooperation with communities,” President Ramaphosa noted.

This approach takes a leaf from the District Development Model which emphasises “bringing government closer to the people and ensuring that local needs inform service delivery priorities”.

“It is about building a public service that listens to citizens, adapts to their needs and continuously improves its services. Such a public service requires the active participation of citizens as partners in development, growth and transformation.

“I call on every South African to hold government accountable, to engage constructively with public institutions and to recognise the vital role that a professional public service plays in building the society we all want.

“Together, we can build a public service that serves with excellence and integrity and works with South Africans to realise the promise of a better life for all,” the President concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has called on all South Africans to work together in creating inclusive and safe environments where people with albinism can live with dignity and without fear.

The appeal comes as the country observes National Albinism Awareness Month, marked annually in September to promote understanding, fight stigma, and protect the rights of persons with albinism.

Albinism is a rare, genetically inherited condition that affects the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for colouring the skin, hair, and eyes.

This year’s awareness campaign is being observed under the theme: “Demanding Our Rights: Protect Our Skin, Preserve Our Lives.”

DWYPD Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, highlighted that people with albinism face not only health challenges, such as sensitivity to the sun and vision impairments, but also harmful discrimination, stigma, and violence.

“This month provides an opportunity for South Africans to raise awareness about the realities of living with albinism, dispel harmful myths, and promote inclusion in education, employment, healthcare, and community life,” Chikunga said.

The Minister also emphasised the importance of advocating for the protection of persons with albinism against discrimination, exploitation, and violence; while also celebrating their diversity by recognising the achievements, talents, and contributions to society.

“Through collaborative efforts, awareness campaigns, and advocacy, we can build a society where diversity is embraced, rights are respected, and every person – regardless of skin colour or condition – is valued. Together, let us stand for inclusion, equality, and the protection of persons with albinism.

“We call on all citizens, communities, schools, faith-based institutions, and the private sector to unite in creating inclusive, safe environments where people with albinism can live with dignity and without fear,” Chikunga said.

The department also urged all stakeholders to align their efforts with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Declaration on the Protection of Persons with Albinism, adopted on 17 August 2024 at the SADC Summit in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The declaration demonstrates commitment by governments to protect the rights of persons with Albinism who are faced with numerous attacks ranging from abductions, killings, maiming, discrimination and trafficking. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng has honoured four officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in the 2025/26 financial year.

Held on Sunday, the ceremony honouring three male officers as well as a female officer was led by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni.

The four were remembered for their courage, dedication and unwavering commitment to serving and protecting the community of Gauteng with the Commissioner posthumously thanking the officers for serving their country with loyalty, bravery and dedication. 

He also thanked their families for supporting the members during the time when they were out on the streets of Gauteng ensuring that communities are safe. 

“On behalf of Gauteng police management, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, their loved ones. Your selfless support and unwavering strength inspired them throughout their career in law enforcement. We are thankful for the time we had with them, and we are honoured that you are here with us today as we salute them for the last time,” he said.

Captain Wynand Du Toit of the Springs Police Station was shot and killed as he intercepted the suspects who were committing a business robbery in Springs on 16 February 2025.

Sergeant Winnie Ntila was shot and killed by the suspects who were committing a house robbery in Vosloorus on 03 September 2024.

Warrant Officer Sello Joel Masedi was knocked down by a car at an accident scene in Mohlakeng while Warrant Officer Mzukisi November was knocked down by a speeding vehicle while conducting a roadblock in Springs.

Lieutenant General Mthombeni assured the families that the SAPS will take care of the educational needs of the children of the fallen heroes and heroine through the SAPS Education Trust. 

On Sunday, 07 September 2025, government hosted the annual South African Police Service Commemoration Day at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

READ | ‘Attacking a police officer is an attack on the State itself’

The day honoured the lives of the 27 police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty during the 2024/25 financial year with Deputy President having issued a  warning against the killing of police officers.

“Let it be clear: attacking a police officer is an attack on the State itself, and it will be met with the full might of the law. We want to make sure that even touching a police officer carries the harshest punishment permitted by our laws, and where possible, tighten these laws,” Deputy President Mashatile said. –SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 15, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

South African companies that were part of the 30-member business delegation at the recently concluded Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF) in Algeria say they are eager to do business in Algeria and across the continent. 

This as the local companies generated several promising trade leads over the course of the trade fair.
The IATF 2025 was held in Algiers, Algeria, 4 – 10 September 2025, serving as a major platform for showcasing African products and fostering continental trade, investment, and partnerships within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Dr Khulile Mtsetfwa, Chief Executive Officer of Swatek Defence and Aerospace, announced that the company has signed three memoranda of understanding aimed at establishing distribution lines in Algeria.

“The plan is to make sure that we build relations and maintain the line of communication with country agents and distributors to penetrate the Algerian market and the rest of the continent. Our mission throughout the week was to make sure that we expose our products to the countries which were represented at the fair,” said Mtsetfwa.

The company signed a contract worth R20 million that will see them supplying protective gear to a local company. 
Rashmee Ramdeen, Director of Zilon Bulk Bags, said the company’s polypropylene bulk bags were well received by visitors and distributors, generating numerous new business leads.

“There is a potential order that is worth R6 million that is being negotiated with a local company. There was a huge demand for our products because there are few manufacturers who are producing them in Algeria.

“The country is currently importing from Europe, and the price is not competitive. So, this is our opportunity to make inroads in the North African market,” added Ramdeen.

Zanele Sanni, Chief Director of Export and Marketing at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, reaffirmed that the IATF is a powerful tool for trade and investment promotion, helping to drive the implementation of the AfCFTA.

“Participating in this landmark event, assisted in strengthening intra-African trade under the AfCFTA, and accelerating collaboration in critical sectors such as energy, automotives, mining and technology,” said Sanni.

READ | dtic to lead SA business delegation to Intra-African Trade Fair

The South African Pavilion attracted more than 3 000 visitors and 267 buyers, generated approximately 300 leads with an estimated post–six-month sales value of R483 million, and hosted over 120 business-to-business meetings. – SAnews.gov.za