Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

The National Research Foundation (NRF) has made significant progress in implementing the Presidential PhD Programme by launching a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from universities and other research organisations that wish to host the programme’s hubs.

The Presidential PhD Programme is a collaboration between several organisations, including the National Research Foundation (NRF), the Presidency, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), and the National Skills Fund (NSF). 

This programme uses a hub-and-spoke model to facilitate effective communication and resource sharing among all participating institutions and partners.

The call for EOI comes after the Presidential Plenary on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) that took place in December 2023. 

During this event, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the establishment of the Presidential PhD Programme. 

This initiative will involve an initial investment of R1 billion, intended to support PhD training both locally and internationally, and will be linked to large-scale, well-established research projects in both public research facilities and industry.

The initiative has four key components, which include developing world-class human capital in strategic areas and strengthening connections among academia, industry, government, and other stakeholders.

It also involves enhancing graduate employability by providing exposure to transferable skills and innovation ecosystems and facilitating access to leading research environments globally to improve knowledge transfer and build local capacity.

According to the NRF, the hubs will primarily be responsible for the design and implementation of collaborative PhD training programmes and activities. 

The key founding principles of the hubs are synergy, inclusivity, multi-disciplinary, economies of scale, sharing of resources, and pursuing the principle that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. 

“The hubs will not only provide intellectual leadership but also serve as coordinators and training centres to ensure uptake of the opportunities within the Presidential PhD Programme’s initiatives, in collaboration with various stakeholders, including local and international research-performing institutions, universities, industry, science councils, and government departments.” 

In addition, the hubs will be responsible for identifying strategic stakeholders and potential partners, while also assessing their needs and contributions. 

They will lead the design and implementation of mentorship networks, monitor the progress of doctoral students towards completion, and coordinate the various nodes with support from the NRF.

“We have taken a giant leap towards realising the ambitious goals of the Presidential PhD Programme,” said NRF CEO, Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo. 

“The hubs will be instrumental in our national drive to develop a new generation of highly skilled researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.” 

The programme is grounded in the goals of the National Development Plan (NDP) and the STI Decadal Plan, which call for the graduation of 5 000 PhDs per annum and having 75% of the universities’ academic and research staff qualified with PhDs by 2030.

The training programme will build critical skills aimed at social transformation, with the initial areas of focus being digital innovation, advanced biotechnology, the energy-food-health sustainability nexus, and mining transformation.

The NRF will coordinate and mobilise support to attain the outcomes envisaged for graduate skilling in entrepreneurship, innovation, academia, policy, and advocacy.

Institutions eligible to host lead hubs are NRF-recognised research institutions such as South African public universities and public research entities such as science councils, national research facilities, and institutes. 

These institutions must possess strong research capabilities in a specific theme that aligns with the Presidential PhD Programme and have a proven track record in transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary coordination.

Meanwhile, the NRF said institutions located on the continent and around the globe can participate in the hubs programme as nodes or as partners. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

State power utility Eskom says it has taken several steps to strengthen its systems against potential threats related to the generation of fraudulent prepaid tokens.

In December 2024, the power utility disclosed, as part of its full-year 2024 financial results, a forensic report detailing the breach of its Online Vending System (OVS).

“The system was exploited to generate and distribute fraudulent prepaid electricity tokens, revealing critical vulnerabilities in both the physical and cybersecurity components of the utility’s prepaid electricity infrastructure.

“In response, Eskom undertook a comprehensive review and intervention strategy aimed at mitigating these vulnerabilities and restoring system integrity,” Eskom said in a statement.

Eskom Chief Technology and Information Officer, Len De Villiers, said the power utility has “successfully strengthened the protection of its current systems against potential threats”.

“All system enhancements are managed through a robust Change Management process that spans all divisions, ensuring consistent oversight and control. These measures are part of Eskom’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding operations and addressing identified vulnerabilities,” De Villiers said.

The latest key actions implemented include:

• Internal controls to deal with electricity theft have been implemented.
• Measures to safeguard the system by reinforcing physical infrastructure and limiting both physical and digital access.
• Enhanced monitoring capabilities to ensure transparency and timely reporting.
• On-going collaboration with law enforcement agencies to support investigations and ensure accountability. As part of this process, internal employees who have been implicated have been placed on precautionary suspension pending further review.
• Augmented in-house capabilities, supported by an external Information Technology (IT) firm tasked to better manage risks and safeguard operations.
• Coordinated system upgrades through a structured change management process.
• Regular reporting to the Eskom Board, which has maintained oversight throughout the remediation process.
• Accelerated acquisition of a new. secure vending system, designed to replace the current OVS and prevent future incidents.

Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, said: “We are fully aware of the challenges that have emerged within the OVS environment, and we have taken clear steps to address them. 

“Our focus is on restoring trust, strengthening our systems, and ensuring that our customers can rely on a secure and efficient service. This is not just a technical fix, it is part of a broader commitment to transparency, operational excellence and accountability.”

Eskom, in conjunction with law enforcement, is investigating with the findings to be disclosed once complete. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Police Service (SAPS) on Wednesday said it remains steadfast in its commitment to combat and prevent gender-based violence and femicide (GVBF) through its intensified nationwide operations and dedicated resources across the country.

According to SAPS, nationwide operations and police actions conducted from 23 – 29 June resulted in the arrest of 145 suspects for rape. Gauteng recorded the most arrests (35).

In addition, police arrested 77 wanted rape suspects, as well as 14 individuals tracked down for sexual offences in various provinces.

SAPS continues to strengthen its response to combating GVBF through targeted interventions and collaboration with communities, including various stakeholders.

“SAPS specialised units, such as the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Units (FCS), across the country continue to play a crucial role in investigating and prosecuting GBVF cases, as well as providing specialised support to survivors,” SAPS said.

Key arrests this past week included 40-year-old Lesiba Ledwaba for the gruesome murder of his 87-year old mother, Raisibe Ledwaba. He has already appeared in the Seshego Magistrates Court on charges of murder. 

In a separate case, on 1 July 2025, police in Ladybrand arrested a 27-year-old man for the alleged murder of his 51-year-old mother after she reprimanded him from making noise when under influence of alcohol. He is expected to appear before the Ladybrand Magistrates Court on 3 July.

“Recently, FCS unit members successfully secured lengthy jail sentences for the perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide, ensuring that they are removed from society for the rest of their lives,” the police said.

Notable convictions secured this week alone include:

• On 1 July, the Greytown Regional Court sentenced a 29-year-old accused to life imprisonment for raping his eight-year-old biological daughter in March 2025.
• On 30 June, the  Mahwelereng Regional Court sentenced a 22 –year-old accused to life imprisonment for the rape of a 13-year-old boy on 4 November 2023.
• On 30 June 2025, the Molopo Regional Court sentenced serial rapist Bongani Ntoro (36) to life term sentence and an additional 25 years’ imprisonment for the rape of four women and a 12-year-old minor between 2007 and 2010 in Magogoe, Tloung and Seweding villages.

“SAPS is committed to fulfilling its mandate to combat, prevent, and investigate GBVF incidents and is continuously working to improve its response to these crimes in the country. Citizens are urged to report GVBF incidents to the nearest police or through MySAPS app,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dion George has welcomed the Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) approval of the South African National Biodiversity Institute’s (SANBI) Eco Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco DRR) project.

The project was approved during its 42nd board meeting, currently being held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

The project, funded by a grant of just over US$40 million, reflects South Africa’s commitment to harnessing ecosystem-based approaches to tackle climate-induced disasters.

Over the next eight years, the Eco DRR initiative will benefit more than five million South Africans, particularly in vulnerable communities, by embedding ecosystem-based approaches into disaster risk planning. 

This will bolster infrastructure resilience, safeguard livelihoods, and enhance adaptive capacity against climate change impacts. 

“This is a monumental achievement for South Africa and a testament to SANBI’s expertise as a Direct Access Entity to the GCF. The Eco DRR project will empower millions of our citizens, ensuring that we build a resilient future where nature and communities thrive together,” said George.

 As a Direct Access Entity, SANBI has showcased leadership in securing this substantial funding, marking a proud milestone for both the institute and the nation. 

The approval underscores South Africa’s dedication to sustainable development and climate resilience, positioning its institutions as key players in global climate action. 

“By leveraging the power of ecosystems, this project not only mitigates disaster risks but also fosters inclusive growth and environmental stewardship. It is a beacon of hope for a greener, stronger South Africa,” said the Minister.

The Eco DRR project aligns with South Africa’s National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and its vision of fostering a climate-resilient society. 

The initiative will deliver long-term benefits by integrating ecosystem-based approaches into national planning frameworks. 

The Minister extended his congratulations to SANBI and all stakeholders involved, reaffirming the department’s commitment to supporting the project’s successful implementation. 

“We will work tirelessly to ensure that the benefits of this initiative reach our most vulnerable communities, paving the way for a sustainable future,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Despite the challenging global environment, South Africa’s mining industry is an industry on the rise.

This view was shared by Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, who delivered the department’s Budget Vote in Parliament on Wednesday afternoon.

In his written remarks, Mantashe explained that Mintek – the country’s national mineral research organisation – has completed a study on the state of mining in the country and the Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy for implementation, which shows great potential in the industry.

“Having produced individual commodity reports on 21 minerals, the critical minerals strategy shows that minerals, such as platinum, manganese, iron ore, coal and chrome ore, are poised to play a critical role in the South African mining industry and the economy for the foreseeable future.

“In contrast to the sceptic view that the South African mining industry is a sunset industry, with the comprehensive and up-to-date insights into key developments within global commodity markets, mineral production trends in South Africa and the mining sector’s contribution to the economy, we are now more convinced than ever that the South African mining industry is a sunrise industry.

“This mining frontier is filled with exciting opportunities for investors and the economy,” he said.

Mantashe acknowledged that the industry is operating in a challenging global landscape.

Despite these challenges, including escalating trade tensions, evolving geopolitical relationships and the United States of America’s imposition of tariffs on some mineral exports, the industry remains a strong contributor to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“Despite the challenging global environment, mining gross value-added rebounded by 0.3% in 2024, from a 0.5% decline in 2023. Effectively, in Rand terms, 2024 saw the mining sector contributing R451 billion to the country’s GDP, thus sustaining the 6% total contribution to the GDP.

“In the same period, the mining industry’s export earnings totalled R674 billion, comprising R586.4 billion from primary minerals and R87.5 billion from processed minerals, representing a decrease of 0.6% from R678 billion in 2023,” the Minister said.

Expanding mineral exploration

The Minister highlighted that the sustainability and future of mining in South Africa is dependent on new mineral discoveries – making the Junior Mining Exploration Fund critical for discovery and transformation.

“Established through a R200 million allocation from National Treasury, matched by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), this fund is poised to unlock new mineral discoveries and drive transformation. The first funding call has already resulted in the signing of legal contracts with black-owned junior miners. 

“As the country navigates the natural decline of legacy commodities like gold, this fund will enable the discovery of new minerals that are essential for a range of industries, from advanced manufacturing to technology and infrastructure development.

“Expanding this fund is not just an investment in new mining frontiers but a commitment to ensuring that our mineral wealth contributes to a more inclusive and transformed industry,” he insisted.

Mantashe noted that, for its part, the Council for Geoscience (CGS) has implemented its Integrated and Multi-Disciplinary Mapping Programme to expand its onshore mapping coverage to meet the needs of the exploration community.

“This work provides the fundamental basis to outline the mineral potential and geological systems at an enhanced scale, allowing [for] greater clarity to focus on exploration initiatives. 

“For the 2025/26 financial year, the CGS will continue with the implementation of this backbone programme, both onshore and offshore, to make available key pre-competitive geological data, information and knowledge for considered investment in minerals exploration,” he said.

The budget

The department’s budget allocation for the 2025/26 financial year is R2.86 billion, of which R1.16 billion will be transferred to public entities, municipalities, and other implementing institutions to “enable them to fulfil their constitutional mandates”.

Some specific projects to receive funding include:

• R134.7 million for the rehabilitation of derelict and ownerless mines implemented by Mintek.
• R22.4 million for the Mine Rehabilitation Research Project implemented by the Council for Geoscience.
• R32.3 million allocated to the CGS for the Mine Water Ingress Project.
• R46.1 million allocated to the Petroleum Agency South Africa (PASA) for the implementation of the Shale Gas Project. 

 – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts will launch the One Million Trees campaign next week.

The campaign, part of the Presidential Ten Million Trees Flagship Project currently in its fourth year, aims to mobilise South Africans from all walks of life, three spheres of government, private sector, interfaith formations, business, diplomatic corps, traditional leaders, NGOs, youth, to pledge and donate trees.

At the launch, the Deputy Minister will outline the ambitious plan to plant one million trees in one day.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is the custodian of the forestry function in the country. 

One of the key activities and functions in this regard is the implementation of the National Greening Programme, aimed at planting at least two million trees per annum for a period of five years to realise the Presidential Ten Million Trees Flagship Project.

The One Million Trees campaign serves as one of the platforms of revamping the National Greening Programme to ensure that the set target of planting ten million trees over a period of five years is achieved.

This will be done through creating awareness on the importance of planting of trees, encouraging stakeholders to take ownership and responsibility of their environment through pledging and planting of trees and facilitating that one million trees are planted in one day. 

As part of the launch, Deputy Minister Swarts will showcase the Information Technology Pledge Form System and the South African National Biodiversity Institute’s (SANBI) Tree Bank where the donated trees will be stored. 

The donated trees will be stored at the 11 National Botanical Gardens across the country and DFFE nurseries.

The launch will take place under the theme: “My Tree, My Oxygen. Plant Yours Today” on Monday, 07 July 2025, at the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

South Africa looks to global lessons as it sharpens its focus on gender priorities at G20

DikelediM
Wed, 07/02/2025 – 16:00

Source: South Africa News Agency

During his department’s Budget Vote presentation on Wednesday, Velenkosini Hlabisa, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, took a moment to honour the lives lost in the recent catastrophic disaster that occurred just two weeks ago. 

This tragedy claimed the lives of approximately 102 people in the Eastern Cape.

This follows the South African Weather Service’s prediction of severe weather, including heavy rainfall, snow and strong winds, which led the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal to activate their disaster response plans.

However, the Eastern Cape experienced particularly devastating impacts, with torrential rains leading to unprecedented floods in districts such as Nelson Mandela Bay, Chris Hani, and OR Tambo.

“Families lost everything in a matter of hours. Sadly, over 100 South Africans – children, parents, and grandparents – lost their lives,” the Minister said. 

The severe floods not only washed away homes and infrastructure, but Hlabisa said they also shattered the very fabric of families and communities, leaving thousands homeless and schools submerged.

In a moment of reflection, the Minister extended condolences to those affected: “On behalf of the Ministry and the Departments of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, we offer our deepest condolences to every grieving family and to every person who has lost not only a loved one but also a sense of stability and hope.”

As a mark of respect, the National Assembly observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased.

Meanwhile, in response to the devastation, the Minister has since authorised the National Disaster Management Centre to officially classify the events as a National Disaster, facilitating immediate and necessary interventions. 

“We are now urgently working to support the affected provinces and municipalities, not just with words but with the resources they need to recover and rebuild,” the Minister said. 

Meanwhile, he announced that technical assessment teams have already been deployed, with work being coordinated through the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) to evaluate the damage to essential infrastructure, including roads, bridges and sanitation systems. 

“This powerful partnership strengthens our rapid response and operational readiness during emergencies,” the Minister added, highlighting the collaboration with the South African National Defence Force to enhance national capacity.

In addition, the Minister said South Africa is concurrently holding the Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20), focusing specifically on disaster risk reduction. 

“Through the G20, we learn from the world and share our experiences,” said the Minister. 

He stressed the significance of global cooperation in addressing disaster-related challenges.

With the first G20 technical meeting having taken place earlier this year in KwaZulu-Natal, Hlabisa said attention now turns to the second meeting scheduled for next week in Johannesburg. 

The working group will address critical areas such as ecosystem-based approaches and nature-based solutions for disaster risk reduction, disaster-resilient infrastructure, and strategies for disaster recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.

“These focus areas are more than just abstract policy themes; they are lifelines for the future,” the Minister stated. 

“They are the answers we seek when we ask: How do we prevent the next floods from becoming a national tragedy? How do we ensure communities bounce back stronger, not just survive?”

As South Africa continues to grapple with the repercussions of this disaster, he said the country is now shifting its commitment to recovery, resilience, and international collaboration. 

The Minister also announced a budget allocation for Cooperative Governance amounting to R410.9 billion over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period.

He said that a staggering 96.7% of this budget is earmarked for intergovernmental transfers and support to various entities that deliver tangible and measurable improvements in the lives of South Africans.

In addition to the allocations for Cooperative Governance, Hlabisa said Traditional Affairs will see an appropriated budget of R195 530 million for the fiscal year 2025/26. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

The world stands at a historic crossroads. Global economies can either continue sidelining the $11 trillion worth of unpaid care work that sustains societies or choose to invest in it as the foundation of inclusive growth, job creation, and long-term economic resilience.

This was the urgent call issued by Dr Basani Baloyi, Programme Director at the Institute for Economic Justice, at the Third Technical Meeting of the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group (EWWG) underway at the Skukuza Conference Centre in Mpumalanga. 

“The care economy is not a woman’s issue. It’s an economic imperative. It’s not a burden to be managed. It’s an opportunity to be seized. It is not a cost to be minimised. It’s an investment that will transform societies,” Baloyi said on Wednesday. 

Her remarks drove home the message that investing in the care economy has far-reaching, proven returns. In Canada, a $10-per-day childcare programme created over 40 000 new jobs in the early childhood care sector, while expanding women’s participation in the workforce. 

In Nordic countries, decades of investment in comprehensive care systems have led to some of the world’s highest levels of gender equality and economic competitiveness.

“With our collective economic power, our diverse experiences and our shared commitment to sustainable development, the G20 has an unprecedented opportunity to scale these successes globally,” Baloyi said. 

Framing the conversation around care as central to economic and social planning, Baloyi said this is the moment to shift from a model where care is invisible and undervalued, to one where it is measured, invested in, and integrated into policy design.

“We have the evidence from Brazil’s groundbreaking National Caregiving Policy. We have the framework from South Africa’s comprehensive approach to women’s economic empowerment. What we need now is the collective will to act,” she said. 

Throughout her keynote, Baloyi painted a vivid picture of care work’s current invisibility, and the toll it takes on women’s economic lives.

“Picture this. It’s 3am and Maria, a nurse in São Paulo, finishes her shift caring for kids. She drives home not to rest, but to care for her mother and prepare breakfast for her children before they wake up.” 

She said similar stories echoed across the globe. “Nomsa in Johannesburg juggles a teaching job and caring for a disabled sibling, and Sarah in Chicago reduces her engineering hours to care for her ailing father.”

Baloyi said these are the women whose sacrifices are excluded from GDP, undervalued in policy, and absent in economic planning. 

“What they call love, we call unpaid work,” Baloyi quoted philosopher Silvia Federici. 

Globally, she explained that unpaid care work by women amounts to 9% of global GDP – equivalent to $11 trillion. In Brazil alone, it’s estimated that women subsidise the economy by at least $10.8 trillion annually. Yet, this work remains uncounted, unrecognised and unsupported.

“We measure the production of cars and computers, but not the production of healthy, educated, capable human beings, who drive those cars and operate those computers,” she said. 

This invisibility, Baloyi warned, has profound economic consequences, reinforcing gender roles, excluding millions of women from the labour market, and weakening economic resilience.

However, Brazil’s pioneering move in 2024 to introduce a National Caregiving Policy – a collaborative effort across 20 ministries, municipalities and academia – signals a turning point. 

South Africa’s G20 Presidency builds on this foundation, with three key priorities that will shape the future of care economies globally. 

“These priorities recognise that care economy transformation requires addressing the full spectrum of challenges that women face. What makes this moment extraordinary is not just the ambition, but the methodology. 

“South Africa is facilitating policy discourse and collaboration based on evidence, based research across G20 countries, they are creating platforms for sharing cross-country experiences, learning from both successes and challenges, and developing context sensitive recommendations that respect the diversity of G20 nations, while advancing common goals,” she said. 

The data, Baloyi explained, is on South Africa’s side. According to the World Economic Forum, a $1.3 trillion investment in social jobs, particularly in the care economy, would generate $3.1 trillion in GDP and create over 10 million jobs in the United States alone. 

The International Labour Organisation projects that invest in childcare and long-term care could result in 203 million jobs globally by 2035.

“These aren’t just numbers. They represent millions of families lifted out of poverty, and millions of women able to participate fully in economic life,” Baloyi said. 

She also urged G20 nations to adopt the ILO’s 5R Framework:

• Recognise care work in policy and planning.
• Reduce the burden through services and infrastructure.
• Redistribute responsibilities between genders and institutions.
• Represent care workers in decision-making.
• Reward care work with fair wages and social protections.

“Imagine Maria in São Paulo able to focus on her career, knowing her family is well cared for… Nomsa in Johannesburg receiving community support services… Sarah in Chicago returning to full-time work, thanks to elder care support… This is achievable policy implementation. When countries invest in care infrastructure, the ripple effects are profound,” she said. 

Baloyi further told delegates that by 2030, over 2.3 billion adults will require care services. By 2050, 80% of the world’s elderly population will live in low- and middle-income countries, many lacking adequate care systems.

“We can either prepare for this demographic transition through strategic investment or allow it to become a crisis that overwhelms families and destabilises economies. 

“The 708 million women worldwide, who are outside the labour force due to care responsibilities, are counting on us. The future generations, who will inherit the economic and social systems we build today, are counting on us,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za