Category: South Africa Government

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Eskom launches first-ever Renewable Energy Offtake Programme

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom has announced the launch of its first-ever Renewable Energy Offtake Programme.

This marks a significant milestone in the utility’s strategic objective to facilitate a “competitive future energy industry” and integrate more clean power into the national grid.  

In a statement on Tuesday, the power utility said that it was transitioning its generation mix from predominantly coal to a blended portfolio with an increasing proportion of clean energy sources by 2040. 

The programme, unveiled through a Request for Proposal (RFP), invites large power users to procure 291MW of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) capacity through long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) from Eskom-owned renewable energy sites. 

According to Eskom, this programme follows a successful Expression of Interest (EOI) process and extensive engagement with commercial and industrial customers, which revealed strong demand for direct contracting through long-term PPAs.

These agreements enable businesses to align with global sustainability standards, reduce carbon footprints, and green their supply chains, enhancing competitiveness. 

The RFP offers tailored solutions that meet operational requirements while contributing to South Africa’s decarbonisation goals. 

Successful bidders will enter PPAs ranging from 5 to 25 years, with renewable energy delivered in phases from multiple Eskom projects. The earliest project is expected to reach commercial operation by December 2027. 

Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, said the programme was a crucial step in reshaping the company’s generation mix.

“This is the next step in the focused execution of our strategy to integrate additional renewable energy into the grid, in line with global electricity industry trends for environmentally sustainable solutions that support broader decarbonisation objectives. 

“We have seen strong interest in Eskom’s capabilities in green energy supply, which this programme demonstrates. Just over a year into our turnaround strategy, we are not only focused on ending loadshedding but are also pivoting Eskom into a sustainable and competitive company while ensuring security of supply through a customer-centric approach,” Marokane said. 

Eskom Distribution Acting Group Executive, Agnes Mlambo, said the programme signalled Eskom’s innovation in building a resilient energy future.

“This programme demonstrates Eskom’s commitment to innovation and building a cleaner, more resilient energy future. By offering customised renewable energy offtake solutions, we are enabling our customers to transition to low-carbon operations while ensuring a secure and competitive supply, through customer-centred solutions,” Mlambo said. 

She added that structured engagement with the private sector would give impetus to Eskom’s efforts to create a sustainable pathway for clean power integration into the grid. 

Eskom said it continues to develop a balanced energy mix, comprising coal, nuclear, gas, renewables, and energy storage solutions such as Battery Energy Storage Systems and pumped hydro. 

The power utility added that a renewable energy business will accelerate deployment of green projects, targeting 2 gigawatts (GW) of construction-ready capacity by 2026 and scaling up to 32GW, including Green Hydrogen projects, by 2040. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Alleged extortionists nabbed in Western Cape

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Police have arrested suspected extortionists in Lower Crossroads in the Western Cape.

Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Monday followed up on information about suspected extortionists at a building in Ntambanane Road, Lower Crossroads.

Surveillance of the premises was conducted, during which it was confirmed that the suspects were at the address. Officers approached the premises, where the suspects opened fire on them. 

“The members retaliated and in the process injured a 29-year-old suspect, who was arrested and taken for treatment at a nearby medical facility under police guard,” SAPS said. 

During the arrest, a 9mm Z88 firearm, with serial number intact, three 9mm magazines and 45 9mm rounds of ammunition were recovered on the premises and confiscated. Further investigations revealed that the firearm was reported as stolen at Philippi SAPS in June 2025.

“The members also arrested two females, aged 19 and 28, who were found on the premises. All three suspects face charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and illegal possession of ammunition, a charge of attempted murder and attack on police. They will appear at the Athlone Magistrates Court once charged,” police said. – SAnews.gov.za

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SAPS warns of increase of ATM-related scams

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape says it has noted with concern the increase in reports of ATM-related scams. 

“Criminals continue to target unsuspecting community members, particularly at busy cash points,” the South African Police Service said in a statement.

The public is urged to remain vigilant and exercise caution when using ATMs. 

The following safety guidelines are strongly recommended:

  • Always remain alert and aware of your surroundings before and after using an ATM.
  • Never disclose your card or PIN (Personal Identification Number) to anyone.
  • Do not write your PIN on your card or keep it with your card.
  • Insert your card only when prompted by the ATM screen.
  • Avoid using ATMs with blank screens or those in poorly lit or secluded areas.
  • Shield the keypad with your hand and body when entering your PIN.
  • Monitor the card slot closely to prevent skimming or card-swapping.
  • Do not accept assistance from strangers at ATMs.
  • Be cautious of individuals who attempt to distract you, as criminals often operate in groups.
  • If your card is retained by the ATM, immediately contact your bank’s toll-free stop-card line.
  • Never allow others to call the bank on your behalf, as this may be an attempt to defraud you.
  • Security personnel posted at ATMs are there to deter crime and are not authorised to assist with transactions.
  • For assistance, approach a bank official directly.
  • Consider setting a daily ATM withdrawal limit with your bank for added protection.

The SAPS also called on community members to report any suspicious behaviour or criminal activity by contacting Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or by using the MySAPS App. – SAnews.gov.za

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Campaign to curb deaths at initiation schools in N West

Source: Government of South Africa

The National Oversight Coordinating Committee and the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) will launch an awareness campaign about the provisions of the Customary Initiation Act (CIA) to prevent deaths at initiation schools in the North West. 

The campaign is set to launch on Thursday, 21 August 2025, at the Bahurutshe ba ga Moiloa Traditional Council in Dinokana. 

The goal of the initiative is to raise awareness about the importance of safe and lawful cultural practices. This includes educating people about the rights of initiates, as well as the roles of traditional leaders, parents, and initiation school principals.

According to the PICC, the campaign follows the mushrooming of illegal initiation schools during the past winter initiation season, which led to over 100 initiates being rescued and the tragic death of six initiates. 

The campaign aims to achieve zero deaths during initiation seasons and eliminate unnecessary fatalities through strict enforcement of the CIA, fostering collaboration between government, traditional leaders and communities.

The event will be attended by the Chairperson of the National Initiation Oversight Committee (NIOC), Ikosi Vembi William Mahlangu; the North West PICC Chairperson, Kgosi Godfrey Gasebone; the Chairperson of the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Kgosi Thari Maotwe, traditional leaders and representatives from government departments.

Gasebone has thrown his weight behind the campaign and stated that the emergence of illegal initiation schools, especially those run by opportunists seeking financial gain, will never be tolerated.

“We call upon all traditional school principals to work with local traditional authorities, the department and the PICC to ensure compliance and approval of hosting initiation schools. If we all comply, this will go a long way in safeguarding the lives of our young people,” Gasebone said. 

The CIA aims to protect, promote, and regulate initiation practices. It also establishes acceptable norms and standards, oversees initiation processes, and coordinates structures for this purpose. 

In addition, the CIA focuses on the protection of life, the prevention of injuries, and the safeguarding of people from all forms of abuse. 

It also addresses the governance aspects of initiation, protects the traditional practice, and ensures that initiation is conducted in accordance with constitutional and legal requirements.

“As per the Act, no person must be forced or coerced into attending initiation school. No person under the age of 16 may attend initiation, and a person between 16 and 18 years may only attend after obtaining written consent letter from parents,” the PICC said.  

It announced that principals of initiation schools have until 3 October 2025 to apply for permission to operate schools during the summer initiation season. 

In addition, traditional surgeons must be at least 40 years old, have undergone initiation more than 10 years ago, and must have served as a mentor to others for a minimum of five years. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Let the dialogue begin, let all voices be heard – President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

Let the dialogue begin, let all voices be heard – President Ramaphosa

In his weekly newsletter to the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa described the launch of the National Dialogue as one of the most important undertakings in the history of South Africa’s democracy, urging all citizens to participate in shaping the country’s future.

The first National Convention of the National Dialogue concluded on Saturday with a call for South Africans from all walks of life to begin conversations on the issues affecting their communities and the nation. 

“We are about to embark on one of the most important undertakings in the history of our democracy. We all have a responsibility to make it work. Let the dialogue begin and let every voice be heard,” the President said. 

The convention, which was attended by just over 1 000 delegates from organisations drawn from all sectors of society, was the kick-off for thousands of public dialogues that will take place for the next few months and into the beginning of next year. 
 
The public dialogues will take place at a local level in wards and at a sectoral level. Citizens will also be encouraged to organise their own dialogues, bringing people together to discuss the issues that concern them and to look for solutions to the challenges they face.
 
The President said the outcomes of each of these dialogues will be recorded and collated through a special digital platform. There will also be mechanisms in place to enable those without access to the technology to submit the outcomes of their dialogues.
 
These discussions will culminate in a second National Convention in 2026, where a clear vision for the country is expected to be outlined, along with a social compact defining the roles and responsibilities of all sectors of society, including government, business, labour, traditional leaders, religious organisations and civic bodies.

“The form and content of these outcomes will ultimately be determined by the South African people through their discussions. The first National Convention reflected the great diversity of the country’s people and their enthusiasm to get involved in the debate,” the President said. 

He highlighted that delegates were clear that citizens themselves must determine the issues discussed and must use whatever approaches and methods that suit them and their circumstances. 

READ | First National Convention closes with a call for citizen-led change

They stressed that what may work in urban centres may not be applicable in rural areas, and that different methods may be required for organised sectors compared to informal communities.

The President further noted that there was a strong emphasis at the convention on inclusion and participation, with some delegates expressing concern that important voices were missing from the gathering. There was a firm view that special efforts should be made to reach and include groups and people who were often left out or marginalised.
 
Preparations for the National Dialogue have been underway for many months, drawing together foundations of struggle stalwarts, civil society bodies and the Presidency. They were given the responsibility to organise the first National Convention and lay the basis for the public dialogues that would follow it.
 
The President said the convention was the moment at which the people of South Africa would take over the National Dialogue. Delegates discussed the formation of a Steering Committee, consisting of nominees from all sectors of society, to take the process forward. 

Each of the sectors held discussions at the convention on how they would select their respective nominee for the Steering Committee by the end of August 2025. They agreed that these processes need to be inclusive and that the Steering Committee needs to be representative. 
 
In taking the National Dialogue forward, the Steering Committee would be supported and guided by the Eminent Persons Group, prominent South Africans tasked with championing the dialogue and providing advice. The Eminent Persons Group will also advise the Head of State as the convenor of the National Dialogue to ensure that it is inclusive and credible.

“There should be no person, no part of society and no institution – either public or private – that is excluded from the conversation. The dialogue should break down the barriers between ‘insiders’ and ‘outsiders’ and challenge notions of ‘us’ and ‘them’. 

“At the same time, we should not seek a form of unity that is based only on sentiment, but a unity that is forged through constructive and honest discussion on the difficult questions our country faces – and an agreed programme of action,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa said the National Dialogue must be a platform where all voices are heard, where divisions between insiders and outsiders are broken down, and where South Africans engage openly, even in disagreement, to find common ground. 

“Disagreeing is part of engaging in a meaningful and robust dialogue. It is through the expression of different views that we will be able to give full legitimacy and credence to the dialogue. We should therefore make a determined effort to air our differences with a view to finding agreement on the actions we need to take together to build a better society, in which every person has an equal opportunity to prosper,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa receives briefing from President Putin

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 18 August 2025, received a briefing from President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, on the outcome of the meeting with President Donald Trump, that was recently held in Anchorage, Alaska in the United States of America. 

President Putin expressed satisfaction with the manner in which his talks with President Trump proceeded and the emerging alignment on the peace process. 

President Ramaphosa appreciated the briefing from President Putin. The President underscored the need for more compromise on key issues for lasting peace to be attained between Russia and Ukraine. 

Both leaders once again pledged to maintain open lines of communication and to continue their cooperation on issues of bilateral interests. 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa receives briefing from Russian counterpart

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, August 18, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa has received a briefing from Russian President Vladimir Putin on the outcome of his recent meeting with United States President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska. 

In a statement on Monday, The Presidency said President Putin expressed satisfaction with the manner in which his talks with President Trump proceeded and the emerging alignment on the peace process. 

“President Ramaphosa appreciated the briefing from President Putin. The President underscored the need for more compromise on key issues for lasting peace to be attained between Russia and Ukraine. 

“Both leaders once again pledged to maintain open lines of communication and to continue their cooperation on issues of bilateral interests,” the Presidency said. 

South Africa has maintained its non-aligned position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, calling on all parties to pursue negotiations as the only viable path to resolving the war. 

In June 2023, President Ramaphosa led a delegation of African leaders to Kyiv and St. Petersburg in a peace mission aimed at encouraging direct engagement between Russia and Ukraine.  – SAnews.gov.za

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Calm restored at Maponya Mall

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, August 18, 2025

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, says they have managed to stabilise the situation at Maponya Mall in Soweto, following community outrage over the death of an e-hailing driver there last week.

Diale-Tlabela visited Maponya Mall this morning in a bid to resolve tensions between the community, taxi drivers and e-hailing operators.

Last week, an e-hailing driver was shot dead, while two others sustained injuries. The local community blockaded entrances into the mall, which resulted in the closure of the mall.

The e-hailing driver, Mthokozisi Mvelase, 27, was killed while stationed at what is believed to be a pickup point at the mall, and that sparked violence in the vicinity of the mall. It is understood that Mvelase had just joined the e-hailing service. 

Diale-Tlabela’s visit was part of the her ongoing efforts to address tensions within the public transport sector, engage directly with affected stakeholders and assess the situation on the ground.

The MEC also interacted with the mall management and taxi operators.

“[We would like] to say to people of Soweto and the people of Gauteng that we now have things under control and we just met with the Soweto e-hailers’ organisation. Calm has been restored and the mall management has agreed to [re-open],” Diale-Tlabela said.

Additional law enforcement personnel are on the ground.

Diale-Tlabela said they are working with law enforcement to ensure that people are safe.

She said lawlessness will not be tolerated. 

“Let’s allow business to continue and allow other members of the community to have access to the services they so much need,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Department acknowledges outcome of labour force trends 

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Employment and Labour has acknowledged the release of the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the second quarter of 2025, which reveals critical trends in South Africa’s labour market.

According to the QLFS, the official unemployment rate increased to 33.2%, while the number of people unemployed for longer than a year rose by 116,000. Short-term joblessness also climbed by 23,000. 

Although the expanded unemployment rate declined slightly by 0.2 percentage points to 42.9%, overall trends remain concerning.

In a statement on Sunday, the department commended Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) for its initiative to review and revise survey methodologies, particularly those targeting the informal sector.  

“This commitment is timely and necessary, enriching the national discourse and highlighting the urgent need for modernised tools and approaches that reflect the realities faced by South Africa and other emerging markets,” the department said. 

According to the department, only 16 in every 100 workers in South Africa are engaged in informal employment, compared to around 45 in comparable middle-income countries such as Mexico, Nigeria and Uganda. 

The department said this raises critical questions about whether the extent of informality is being underreported and how it could be better measured and supported.

The survey results also reveal widening inequalities in employment opportunities, with race, age, gender, location and education remaining decisive factors. The formal sector added 34,000 jobs in the second quarter, while the informal sector contracted by 19,000. The labour force expanded by 0.6%, yet unemployment growth (+140,000) far outpaced job creation (+19,000).

Job gains were mainly in the trade sector (+88,000), private households (+28,000) and construction (+20,000). However, losses were recorded in community services (-42,000), agriculture and finance (-24,000 each), transport (-15,000), utilities (-6,000) and manufacturing (-5,000).

Provincial data showed the Eastern Cape recording the highest employment growth at 6.5%, followed by Mpumalanga at 0.9%. By contrast, the Northern Cape (-8.3%), Western Cape (-4.1%) and KwaZulu-Natal (-3.1%) recorded significant job losses.

The department expressed concern over the persistent vulnerability of young people (15–34 years), warning that the situation could be worsened by the projected gross domestic product (GDP) growth of only 0.9% for 2025 and the impact of US tariffs on export-driven industries.

The department said the revision of labour data collection tools was critical to shaping evidence-based policies, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and youth.

“Such updates will enable interventions that are attuned to evolving labour market dynamics and the particular needs of vulnerable groups, especially women and young people, amid structural shifts in the economy and patterns of production.”

Paradigm shift

Given these persistent and emerging challenges, the department asserts that a paradigm shift is required in how South Africa approaches unemployment, particularly youth unemployment.

“This requires expanding viable livelihood pathways within the informal economy, tackling structural constraints that limit its potential as a site of dignified work and entrepreneurship, and enhancing policy design through richer data on informal sector realities. 

“We remain committed to fostering national dialogue, supporting skills development aligned with labour market demand, and championing the transformation of labour market systems for greater inclusion and resilience,” the department said. 

Stats SA is set to publish the QLFS for the third quarter of 2025 in November, incorporating new standards in line with the International Conference of Labour Statisticians.

The department urged stakeholders to engage constructively with the revised data and join in shaping the policies that will drive South Africa’s labour market forward. – SAnews.gov.za

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Empowering citizens with financial education

Source: Government of South Africa

The National Treasury Director for Financial Inclusion, Nontobeko Lubisi, has highlighted the importance of educating South Africans on sustainable finance practices to strengthen long-term financial stability.

Addressing the virtual launch of Money Smart Week South Africa (MSWSA) 2025, Lubisi said too many South Africans remain unprotected against shocks.

MSWSA is a national financial education campaign designed to raise awareness and empower South Africans with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed financial decisions.

“We gather at a moment when our financial choices are tested daily by economic shocks, rapid technological change, and widening inequalities. Insurance is still dominated by funeral cover, while other forms of protection remain out of reach. We must change this.  

“By expanding access to meaningful savings and insurance products, and pairing them with financial education, we can give families the resilience to absorb shocks and bounce back stronger,” Lubisi said on Monday.

She emphasised that access to financial services is not enough, as it must go hand-in-hand with knowledge, literacy and protection.

“South Africans have bank accounts, but many of these lie dormant. True inclusion is when people not only have financial services, but when they use them — sending money, borrowing responsibly, insuring their families, and building wealth.

“…Financial education matters. It is not only about knowing how to budget, it is about understanding products, risks and rights,” Lubisi said.

As South African consumers generally have limited resources and skills to understand the complexities of the financial sector, government introduced the National Consumer Financial Education Strategy.

According to Lubisi, the National Consumer Financial Education Strategy was a strong start, but remains fragmented and scattered in short-term projects. 

“That’s why have now drafted a Financial Education Policy, which is a unified, long-term vision that will empower South Africans not only to participate in the financial system, but to thrive in it.

“A financial system works only when people believe it will treat them fairly. This is why the Financial Sector Conduct Authority’s Treating Customers Fairly framework, and the upcoming Conduct of Financial Institutions Bill, are so important. They are not just laws. They are promises. Promises that the system will treat people with fairness and respect,” Lubisi said.

With the transformation of the financial system services, digital platforms are susceptible to online fraud, identity theft, and cybercrime.

“Access to the internet alone is not enough. We need skills to use these platforms safely, to build credit profiles, and to invest wisely. 

“Consequently, Financial literacy and cyber-awareness programmes must match digital skills training to prevent consumers from falling victim to scams,” she said.

Through initiatives like the Ya Rona Digital Skills Drive, over 20 000 people were trained.

Moreover, government is bringing Wi-Fi to rural households through the SA Connect programme.

“All these initiatives are very critical and should be recognized as interconnected with the financial sector’s digital financial literacy revolution. By equipping citizens with internet access, the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy lays the foundation for inclusive access to digital financial services such as banking, payments, and e-commerce,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za