IEC to host the first Symposium on Political Funding in SA
The Electoral Commission is preparing to host a symposium on Political Funding in South Africa.
This follows four years of implementing the Political Funding Act of 2018. This law took effect on 1 April 2021.
The symposium will be held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on 18 and 19 June 2025.
The symposium will be held under the theme: “Sustaining Multi-Party Democracy through Enhancing Political Funding Regulation in South Africa”.
The aim of the symposium is to foster informed dialogue on matters related to the use of money in politics, the required transparency and accountability models, as well as possible reforms to ensure an effective political finance regulatory regime in South Africa.
The key highlights of the programme of the symposium include opening remarks by the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mosotho Moepya.
The Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, and the political funding unit will outline the experience of implementing the law since its promulgation. This aspect will involve the points of success and areas of challenge.
The Human Sciences Research Council will outline the preliminary outcomes of a research study which, amongst others, gathered the views and perspectives of stakeholders and the public on political financing in the country. Several scholars will also present their work in this area.
The Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, is also scheduled to address the symposium. The Minister is expected to provide a perspective on the public funding of elected representatives to enhance multi-party democracy.
Highlights of the programme include the following:
• A global perspective on political funding and campaign finance.
• The role and mandate of the political funding framework in strengthening democratic governance.
• Assessing the capacity and commitment of key stakeholders in improving the regulation of political funding.
• Transparency in public and private political party funding.
The symposium will convene a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from political parties, Members of Parliament, academia, civil society, media, the business sector, as well as international and intergovernmental organisations.
Speaking ahead of the symposium, Mamabolo said a collective commitment to enhancing transparency in the political funding landscape is important to foster a vibrant system of multiparty democracy.
“By convening diverse stakeholders, we aim to critically assess our progress and explore avenues for strengthening the current regulatory framework and thus ensure that our democracy remains robust and resilient,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
The first group of South African troops who were deployed to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) are expected to arrive in Bloemfontein on Friday.
According to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the troops will be welcomed by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, accompanied by the members of the Military Command Council.
The soldiers will arrive at Air Force Base Bloemspruit.
The withdrawal of the soldiers was announced by the Minister in May following a “high level consultation with several role-players in the peacekeeping efforts within the eastern DRC”.
Earlier this year, 14 troop members lost their lives and others sustained injuries at the hands of the M23 as fighting in the Goma region escalated.
The rebel group fought intensely against the Congolese armed forces, resulting in the deaths of soldiers from 23 to 27 January 2025 during M23’s advance on Sake and Goma.
These soldiers were part of the SAMIDRC, which aims to help restore peace, security, and stability in Africa’s second-largest country.
The Minister will address members of the media after she has received and welcomed the troops. – SAnews.gov.za
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau says meaningful and tangible progress is being made in the implementation of South Africa’s Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy.
He was addressing delegates at the Green Hydrogen Summit on Thursday, held at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town.
Tau said several commercial-scale green hydrogen projects are currently in development across the country, each addressing different parts of the value chain that must be unlocked.
“Through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), we have also secured €23 million in grant funding from the German government via KfW Development Bank.
“These funds will be used to de-risk and fast-track key catalytic green hydrogen projects. Of the 24 projects identified as Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs), several have already completed their pre-feasibility study phase.
“We have also established the Just Energy Transition Green Hydrogen Programme Management Office, hosted by the IDC, to coordinate the implementation of the green hydrogen chapter of the JET-IP Implementation Plan,” he told the delegates.
He said the scale of funding required to develop a green hydrogen ecosystem was immense, therefore collaboration was not just a recommendation, but a necessity.
“We will explore a range of mechanisms, including project feasibility and development funding, tools to de-risk investments, support for green premiums during the early stages of cost curve reduction such as contracts for difference, investment in supporting infrastructure, and funding that facilitates ecosystem development, including policy support, capacity building, technology transfer, sustainability and inclusion,” he said.
Tau said the Green Hydrogen ecosystem will not help South Africa to avert further de-industrialisation, but assist in driving the reindustrialisation of the economy. – SAnews.gov.za
The Presidency has sought to clarify concerns regarding government hosting the National Dialogue, saying some media reports on the event are “based on incorrect or incomplete information”.
Earlier this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that government would host a National Dialogue that will enable South Africans to participate in engagements that will confront the country’s challenges and forge a path into a better future.
It will be a people-led, society-wide process to reflect on the state of the country, with people from all walks of life who will come together and help shape the next chapter of South Africa’s democracy.
All South Africans will have an opportunity to participate as individuals or through organised formations.
“The first National Convention to enable an all-inclusive process will be convened on 15 August 2025 to set the agenda for the National Dialogue. This will be followed by discussions across the country in various sectors and on issues that citizens feel deserve national attention.
“These will then be grouped into agenda themes for national engagement. A second National Convention will be held in the beginning of 2026, where these discussions will be consolidated into a common national vision and implementation programme,” the Presidency said on Thursday.
An Eminent Persons Group has been appointed to champion the National Dialogue and to provide guidance to ensure that the process is inclusive and credible.
It comprises respected individuals, who have played and continue to play an important role in various areas of the nation’s life.
The Eminent Persons Group will not be responsible for the day-to-day running of activities.
“Preparations for the National Convention and other activities are currently being undertaken by a National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team made up of representatives from various foundations, civil society organisations and the Presidency.
“The National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team has been working for close to a year on developing the form and approach to the National Dialogue. This team will remain seized with the practical arrangements for the National Dialogue until a representative Steering Committee has been established,” the Presidency said.
The Presidency has asserted that media reports claiming that certain foundations belonging to the stalwarts of the liberation struggle have been sidelined or overlooked, are inaccurate.
“These foundations, together with other civil society formations that were part of the initial work, remain centrally involved in the Preparatory Task Team.
“Over the next few weeks, the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team will undertake a series of information sessions and consultations with a range of stakeholders in preparation for the first National Convention on 15 August 2025,” the Presidency said. –SANews.gov.za
President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Friday, 13 June 2025, visit flood-affected areas in the Eastern Cape following rising casualties and damage to infrastructure caused by the severe weather which has engulfed the OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities.
The President is being kept abreast by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabunyane on search and rescue efforts, and additional support needed to comprehensively respond across all levels to the devastating disaster.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the loss of lives and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, affected communities and Eastern Cape residents at large.
President Ramaphosa will commence his oversight visit to the flood-affected sites accompanied by Minister Hlabisa, Premier Mabuyane and leaders of the disaster response.
The delegation will monitor progress on the response and will interact with affected communities on government’s support.
*MEDIA PROGRAMME*
Closed Briefing by the interdisciplinary National Disaster Management Team Time: 11:00 Venue : O.R Tambo District Municipality Council Chamber
Site visits to the Dicoligny , Jumba High School and Slovo Park Time: 11:30
(Media to be stationed from the first site visit)
Media logistical arrangements to the site visits can be directed to Khuselwa Rantjie, Eastern Cape Provincial Spokesperson – 082 728 7476
COGTA Ministry enquiries: Pearl Maseko-Binqose, Media Liaison Officer – 082 772 1709
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za
The Presidency has noted various media reports on the National Dialogue that are based on incorrect or incomplete information.
In this regard, the Presidency wishes to clarify the following:
– The National Dialogue is to be an inclusive process in which all South Africans will have an opportunity to participate as individuals or through organised formations.
– The first National Convention to enable an all-inclusive process will be convened on 15 August 2025 to set the agenda for the National Dialogue. This will be followed by discussions across the country, in various sectors and on issues that citizens feel deserve national attention. These will then be grouped into agenda themes for national engagement. A second National Convention will be held in the beginning of 2026 where these discussions will be consolidated into a common national vision and implementation programme.
– The Eminent Persons Group has been appointed to champion the National Dialogue and to provide guidance to ensure that the process is inclusive and credible. It is comprised of respected individuals who have played and continue to play an important role in various areas of our national life. The Eminent Persons Group will not be responsible for the day-to-day running of activities.
– Preparations for the National Convention and other activities are currently being undertaken by a National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team made up of representatives from various foundations, civil society organisations and the Presidency. The National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team has been working for close to a year on developing the form and approach to the National Dialogue. This team will remain seized with the practical arrangements for the National Dialogue until a representative Steering Committee has been established.
– Media reports that certain foundations belonging to the stalwarts of the liberation struggle have been sidelined or overlooked are inaccurate. These foundations, together with other civil society formations that were part of the initial work, remain centrally involved in the Preparatory Task Team.
– Over the next few weeks, the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team will undertake a series of information sessions and consultations with a range of stakeholders in preparation for the first National Convention on 15 August 2025.
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya Spokesperson to the President media@presideny.gov.za
President Ramaphosa rallies Africa behind Green Hydrogen at inaugural Summit
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on African countries to seize the opportunity presented by green hydrogen as a catalyst for industrial transformation, energy security, and inclusive economic growth across the continent.
Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Africa Green Hydrogen Summit at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town on Thursday, President Ramaphosa positioned the continent as a key player in the emerging global green hydrogen economy.
“Our beloved continent Africa, the cradle of humanity, is uniquely positioned to become a major player in green hydrogen because it has abundant renewable resources manifested in high solar irradiance, strong winds and hydropower potential.
“The vast land our continent has lends itself to large-scale renewable energy projects. We are therefore perfectly placed to leverage the global shift towards cleaner energy sources for our collective advantage,” the President said.
WATCH |
Originally launched in 2022 as a South African initiative to articulate its national vision, the summit has now evolved into a continental platform to harness Africa’s green hydrogen potential.
Held under the theme: “Unlocking Africa’s Green Hydrogen Potential for Sustainable Growth”, this innovative summit convenes African energy ministers, policymakers, investors, developers, technology partners, and research institutions to shape the continent’s emerging green hydrogen sector.
President Ramaphosa noted that over 52 large-scale projects have been announced across the continent, including South Africa’s Coega Green Ammonia project, the AMAN project in Mauritania and Project Nour in Morocco.
The target, as articulated through the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance (AGHA), is to produce 30 to 60 million tons of green hydrogen annually by 2050.
It is estimated that this could create between two and four million new jobs in alliance member states by 2050.
The Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance brings together a number of African nations, including Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia and South Africa.
“To make use of these opportunities, we need to establish appropriate policy and regulatory environments. We must continue to move as a continent to develop regional certification schemes, hydrogen corridors and green product export platforms.
“We commend the work of countries like Mauritania, which has taken early steps on certification. It will be critical that we learn from one another and converge on standards that work for Africa,” the President said.
The President acknowledged the critical need for regulatory certainty, robust certification systems, and market access, stressing that investment and offtake agreements would be key to unlocking Africa’s green hydrogen future.
“We cannot close that gap with potential alone. We must match it with demand signals, regulatory certainty and project preparation support. We need to ensure that there is sufficient and growing demand. This includes building domestic demand in African countries,” the President said.
“As we explore these exciting opportunities, we must work to address the impediments to the growth of this industry,” he said.
President Ramaphosa also highlighted Germany’s continued support through the H2Global mechanism, which has allocated one of its bidding windows to Africa and praised ongoing bilateral cooperation with the EU on green hydrogen projects, including Sasol’s HySHiFT sustainable aviation fuel initiative.
The H2Global mechanism is opening its second bidding window, with one of the four lots allocated to Africa.
“The African lot, which is funded by the German government, will guarantee offtake for successful projects on the continent.
“A Joint Declaration of Intent with the German government focuses on market access, offfake opportunities and value-additive benefits in the production of green steel and green fertiliser. We commend the German government for its commitment to African supply,” the President said.
At home, South Africa is accelerating efforts to localise hydrogen production and industrial use. The country has invested R1.49 billion in its Hydrogen South Africa programme, launched new wheeling regulations, and initiated pilot projects, such as green hydrogen mobility in Sasolburg, and advanced planning for the Coega project.
President Ramaphosa acknowledged the many challenges facing the sector, including high capital costs, global investment gaps, and stiff competition from fossil fuels but urged unity and urgency in building an African-led hydrogen economy.
“Tempered by these realities, this summit must not only be a platform of ideas. It must be a platform of commitments. We must put the African voice at the centre of global energy rulemaking. We must be authors of our own future,” he said.
Africa Green Hydrogen Summit an important part of SA’s G20 vision
South Africa, which currently chairs the G20, has chosen just energy transitions as a key theme for its presidency, placing green hydrogen at the heart of its climate resilience and industrialisation agenda.
IN PICTURES | Green Hydrogen Summit
“The Africa Green Hydrogen Summit is an important part of that vision. Hydrogen is a bridge to a new export industry for African countries. It is an enabler for Africa’s energy independence and climate resilience,” he said.
More importantly, the President framed green hydrogen as more than an energy source, describing it as an “anchor for industrial transformation and infrastructure investment”.
“We are called upon to join hands to build this bridge together as Africans, as partners and as builders of a green, prosperous and inclusive future,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
Work underway to resolve challenges hampering economic growth
Government is maintaining a “razor sharp” focus on the resolution of challenges that are hampering the growth of the South African economy.
This is according to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni who delivered the post-Cabinet media statement on Thursday.
Earlier this month, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) revealed that real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) had increased marginally by some 0.1% during the first quarter of 2025, following an increase of 0.4% in the previous quarter – showing sluggish performance.
“Cabinet remains concerned about the decline in the manufacturing industry more so when government has prioritised boosting local manufacturing and thus Cabinet awaits the finalisation of the revised industrial policy.
“Government understands the impact of the challenges within the freight and logistics [sector] that continues to impact the growth of the mining industry which also experienced a decline. We are maintaining razor sharp focus on the work of Operation Vulindlela Phase Two and [the] Government-Business Partnership in urgently resolving the logistics challenges that are hampering the economic growth of this country,” she said at the briefing held in Cape Town.
The Minister added that Cabinet welcomes the National Assembly’s approval of the 2025 Fiscal Framework – known as the budget – that is geared at stepping up spending on infrastructure investment to R1 trillion over the medium term.
In the same vein, Cabinet noted reports which have raised concern about Statistics South Africa’s (Stats SA) Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) related to the informal sector.
“The [QLFS] collects data on the labour market activities of individuals aged 15 years and older on a quarterly basis. Furthermore, Stats SA produces a comprehensive report every four years which includes a dedicated module for the survey of employers and self-employed.
“This survey aims to provide in-depth insights into the characteristics and operations of the informal sector businesses in South Africa. Cabinet has been discussing the option of either a quarterly or annual [survey]…however, Stats SA would require access to a business register of informal businesses which is currently absent.
“We previously announced that Cabinet approved the National Business Licensing Policy which will enable a standardisation of licensing of informal businesses…over a period of time of its implementation, the Department of Small Business Development should be able to create a reliable register of informal businesses that will improve the ability of Stats SA to draw reliable data for the QLFS,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
Cabinet has welcomed the swift response by the Department of Agriculture following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) that has affected KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.
“Despite the warnings that were issued, FMD was imported into Gauteng as people continued to move livestock to the province of Gauteng,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday in Cape Town.
The department has ordered over 900 000 doses of vaccines, with the first batch expected to arrive soon.
“All infected properties are placed under quarantine. No movement is allowed into, out of, or through these areas or farms.
“Large areas, where individuals cannot be served with quarantine notices, are declared Disease Management Areas, and the same restrictions apply.
In addition, plans are underway to establish a biosecurity council that will bring together the South African Police Service (SAPS), veterinarians, scientists, the Border Management Authority and captains of industry to better respond to future outbreaks and manage the related risks,” Ntshavheni said.
She was addressing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 11 June 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
Cabinet has assured South Africans that government, through the Department of Health, is closely monitoring the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, known as Nimbus or NB.1.8.1.
“Cabinet calls on all citizens to ensure good hygiene practices, including avoiding unnecessary hand shaking, washing hands with soap, covering the mouth when coughing, using a mask when one has flu and staying home when one is not feeling well,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday, in Cape Town.
This as the virus is associated with a rise in cases in certain regions of Asia.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we demonstrated that through these simple measures we could reduce the spread of respiratory illness.”
The Minister was briefing members of the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 11 June 2025.
According to Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, South Africa has robust surveillance systems that is managed by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).
The NICD manages a comprehensive sentinel surveillance programme that systematically tests for key respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV. Currently, data show very low SARS-CoV-2 activity. –SAnews.gov.za
