Category: South Africa Government

Russia’s G20 Sherpa, Svetlana Lukash, has highlighted the importance of multilateralism for ensuring global stability and sustainability, calling for ongoing dialogue and the strengthening of the United Nations.

“Multilateralism is the only thing that can keep the world together today and save us from collapse, save the economy from complete fragmentation, and ensure global growth and sustainability,” she said. 

Despite the current challenges of economic fragmentation and geopolitical tensions, Lukash said she remained optimistic.

“We must continue dialogue, no matter what divisions exist in our minds and policies.“

Lukash was speaking on the sidelines of the G20 Sherpa meeting on Thursday, where the world’s largest economies and organisations are convening at Sun City Resort in the North West.

Lukash is the Deputy Head of the Presidential Expert Directorate within the Presidential Executive Office of Russia. 

“I think the G20 is very well placed to keep multilateralism as a flag for all humanity. But indeed, what we always keep in mind is that we have the United Nations, and that is the main platform that we need to cherish and need to strengthen.“

She also cast the spotlight on South Africa’s groundbreaking G20 Presidency as a pivotal moment for inclusive international dialogue.

Lukash believes that the strategic vision of multilateralism extends beyond traditional diplomatic frameworks.

By inviting diverse stakeholders and opening dialogue with African neighbours and Global South representatives, Lukash said South Africa aims to create a more representative international platform.

“I think just having the Presidency in Africa for the first time and putting the interests of Africa and of the Global South on the top of the G20 agenda already gives the strongest signal to the world community that the time has changed.” 

She is of the view that the G20 should not be a closed forum where only 20 economies discuss issues that matter to the entire world.

“What South Africa’s Presidency did is help open the G20 in the interests of the global majority. That is amazing. So, I really praise what the Presidency is doing this year.”

The Sherpa said the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November represents a critical opportunity to demonstrate how multilateral approaches can address complex global economic challenges.

Lukash also recognised the ongoing geoeconomic fragmentation and geopolitical tensions, which include sanctions and tariff wars. 

However, she believes that the key multilateral priorities should focus on reforming global institutions such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO), addressing geopolitical tensions, and developing more inclusive mechanisms for economic cooperation.

Despite geoeconomic fragmentation and tensions, Lukash said Russia sees the G20 as crucial for global economic cooperation, particularly in trade, energy, and finance.

She told journalists that Russia’s key priorities for the G20 agenda align with South Africa’s goals, focusing on inclusive global growth, job creation, artificial intelligence governance, and critical minerals. 

The Sherpa also praised the bilateral relations between South Africa and Russia, particularly in economic cooperation and investments, and expressed full support for South Africa’s G20 priorities.

She said she was also grateful that South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile recently attended the St Petersburg International Economic Forum during his working visit to Russia. 

“We, as Russia, tried to ensure that he spent that time very productively, ensured a lot of discussions with all the government of the Russian Federation, aimed at increasing our cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations by ensuring investments and common economic cooperation between all countries. 

“[The Deputy President] very rightly points out the main issues that the investments need to be shifted to the countries of the Global South, and that’s what our President and the Deputy President discussed.”

Lukash has assured the South African government that Russia will support them “completely” in all their priorities and goals.

“We will do our best to make your G20 Leaders’ Summit a success.” – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Andrew Whitfield from his position as the Deputy Minister of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic).

President Ramaphosa thanked Whitfield for the time he served in the Government of National Unity (GNU).

According to the Presidency, his removal was in accordance with Section 93(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.

The Presidency has not indicated any intention to conduct a wholesale Cabinet reshuffle. – SAnews.gov.za

The Special Tribunal has declared two personal protective equipment (PPE) contracts awarded by the Mpumalanga Health Department as unlawful and invalid.

The two contracts – worth a combined R9 million – were awarded to Vitae Zoe to supply 3000 infrared non-contact digital body temperature devices, as well as an additional 1000 devices.

The contracts were set aside following an approach to the court by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

“Furthermore, the Tribunal ordered it to implement financial accountability measures for Vitae Zoe, requiring it to submit audited financial statements for the 2020/2021 financial year to the SIU and the Tribunal Registrar. Additionally, Vitae Zoe (Pty) Ltd must propose a repayment plan within 15 days of a formal demand by the SIU; failing to do so, further legal action may be pursued. 

“The SIU has received Vitae Zoe’s financial statement and is currently determining the amount Vitae Zoe must repay. The Tribunal also ordered the company to cover the legal costs of the application,” the SIU said in a statement.

The corruption busting unit described the judgement as a “crucial step in addressing corruption and ensuring accountability in PPE procurement during the COVID-19 pandemic”.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa directed the SIU, under Proclamation R23 of 2020, to investigate allegations of corruption, maladministration, malpractice, and payments made by State institutions concerning PPE procurement and the conduct of State employees.
“The SIU is also empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to address any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations related to corruption, fraud, or maladministration.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence of criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Cabinet has directed the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on the National Dialogue to ensure prudence with the funding of the initiative, following concerns raised by the public on how much government would spend on it.

“Cabinet has noted public concerns about the estimate Budget for the National Dialogue and wishes to clarify that the proposed Budget has not yet been taken through the established government budgeting processes or considered by the IMC that is chaired by the Deputy President. 

“Cabinet is fully cognisant of the current fiscal constraints and has directed the IMC to ensure prudence on the funding of the National Dialogue,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday, in Cape Town.

Earlier this month, 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.

An Inter-Ministerial Committee has been established under the chairpersonship of the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, to coordinate government’s contribution to the National Dialogue.

“On this day, 70 years ago, 26 of June 1955, more than 3 000 delegates from various racial and social backgrounds, gathered in Kliptown, Johannesburg, to envision the South Africa, they want, that is democratic, and non-racial and which is based on the principles of equality, social justice, human rights and shared economic prosperity,” the Minister said.

This gathering culminated in the adoption of the Freedom Charter, which is a document outlining the aspirational principles of freedom and democracy in South Africa. 

“The Freedom Charter is the foundational document to the Constitution of the post-Apartheid South Africa, and it is still relevant in directing the redress of outstanding social and economic inequalities.

“The Freedom Charter was a result of a massive grassroots campaign involving various anti-Apartheid organisations and ordinary citizens, organised under the banner of the African National Congress, reflecting on their collective aspirations for a free and just South Africa.

“Seventy years after the adoption of the Freedom Charter and acknowledging that the challenges still facing our country require meaningful input from all of us, South Africans from all walks of life are invited to participate in a National Dialogue that will determine the future of the South Africa we want.

“Like the adoption of the Freedom Charter, the national dialogue will follow an extensive consultation process including at district and provincial levels,” Ntshavheni said. 

The Minister was addressing a media briefing on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting, held on Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za

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International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has issued a stark warning about escalating global tensions, stressing the critical need for diplomatic intervention and multilateral cooperation.

”We find ourselves in an evolving global disorder that brings with it many perils for the weak and vulnerable,” Lamola said of the geopolitical challenges facing the world.

The Minister highlighted several flashpoints threatening international stability, including the conflicts in Sudan, which he called “not only a crisis but also a moral issue that demands our collective consciousness and humanity”.

The Minister was addressing a high-level session attended by the world’s largest economies and organisations during the third Group of 20 (G20) Sherpa meeting at Sun City Resort, in the North West.

Lamola told delegates that over 12 million people were displaced in Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, with armed conflicts increasing globally.

Lamola stressed the urgent need for global collaboration and fair development, inspired by the country’s historic Freedom Charter, adopted 70 years ago today.

He warned that the current global dynamics and State rivalries are fuelling fragmentation, with economic decoupling and proxy conflicts undermining global stability. 

“These international competition dynamics are exacerbating fragility in vulnerable regions, while also weakening multilateral institutions that underpin the rules-based international order.” 

He told the G20 Sherpas that South Africa has adopted an anti-war stance. 

“This is because we know too well that war offers no victors, only victims. Double standards in diplomacy and the paralysis at the United Nations Security Council have crippled conflict resolution, mediation and peace efforts. 

”These systemic challenges must be addressed to reclaim a global rationality that builds on stability, peace, certainty, and sustainability.” 

Global economic environment

Lamola noted the role of diplomacy in maintaining global stability, and the necessity for collective action to tackle economic and technological challenges.

“The current and troubling global economic environment signifies a major trend towards economic nationalism; some States are distancing themselves from the globalised trade framework that has prevailed for many decades and underpinned this rules-based system of non-discrimination and shared values,” he said. 

“We must avoid this path, as we all know well that trade is an engine for economic development and improvement in the standards of living across nations,” the Minister said. 

Critical minerals

On the exploitation of critical minerals, Lamola highlighted the deep-rooted economic injustices in this domain. 

“While the world runs on our resources, the value does not stay here. The minerals leave raw. The batteries, the solar panels, and the cancer treatments are made elsewhere. We export wealth but import back its transformed value,” Lamola said, pointing out that this is a phenomenon seen across Africa. 

The Minister used the platform to call for a transformative approach to resource management, proposing a “critical minerals framework that will rewrite peace and humanity, and revitalise our industrial strategies”.

He stated that the mission of South Africa’s G20 Presidency is clear, and that is to transform these “buried treasures“ into local jobs, factories and sovereignty.

“Equally, the value we will create will still empower the world, as we will seek to continuously export and strengthen global commerce, and our role in it.  This is not just economics; it is Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability – the theme of our Presidency.” 

Developmental goals

In addition, Lamola touched on the challenges facing international institutions, noting that “diplomacy and peace mediation and the United Nations Security Council have been crippled”.

With only 17% of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on track, he stated that multilateral cooperation is not just desirable, but essential.

He concluded his talk by reminding the delegates that as global tensions rise, the intergovernmental forum represents a crucial opportunity to reimagine international cooperation and tackle the systemic challenges threatening global stability.

“The G20 can lead in a moment of crisis. The G20 can help address the weaknesses of the multilateral system. The G20 can ensure that our collective humanity is not abandoned. Our deliberations can no longer be hollow; our shared prosperity, now more than ever, demands collaboration that pursues solutions that address some of the most pressing global challenges confronting humanity and impacting global growth and development.

“The G20 is a persuasive body that holds great influence in the world,” he urged.  – SAnews.gov.za

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Government has welcomed the progress being made in the fight against crime through initiatives such as Operation Shanela and Operation Vala Umgodi. 

“About 239 suspects were arrested across the country between 1 and 15 June 2025 through Operation Vala Umgodi,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said.

Briefing media in Cape Town on Thursday, on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting, Ntshavheni said the suspects were arrested for illegal mining-related offences and various other crimes, including attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of unpolished diamonds, unlawful possession of explosives and contravention of the Immigration Act of 2002.

“Operation Vala Umgodi has, since its inception in December 2023, led to the arrest of more than 27 000 suspects and the seizure of more than 600 firearms that included imitation firearms (toy guns) and 16 000 rounds of ammunition,” Ntshavheni said.

Ntshavheni said between 16 June to 22 June 2025, the South African Police Service (SAPS), through Operation Shanela, arrested 15 372 suspects. 

“Some of the key arrests include 2 400 wanted individuals linked to serious and violent crimes (murder, attempted murder, rape and robbery), 159 arrested for murder, 100 arrests for rape, 1 173 arrests for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, 2 602 for drug possession and 64 for hijacked or stolen vehicles,” the Minister said.

According to SAPS, these successes stem from proactive policing tactics, including high-visibility patrols, roadblocks, stop-and-search initiatives and intelligence-led suspect tracing.

“SAPS remains committed to relentless, multidisciplinary crime prevention through Operation Shanela and related initiatives. The National Commissioner of Police, General Fannie Masemola, applauds the dedication of all police officers and partners who collaborated with the police,” the South African Police Service said in a statement earlier this week. – SAnews.gov.za

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Cabinet was, at its ordinary meeting on Wednesday, updated on ongoing recovery efforts in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, following the recent devastating floods. 

At a national level, the National Joint Flood Coordination Committee, as well as the Interministerial Committee of Disaster Management have been activated and have met on several occasions to assess the situation and decide on how to support the affected provinces.

Briefing the media on Thursday in Cape Town, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the National Disaster Management Centre and respective provincial and municipal disaster management centres continue to provide reports on assessments and response measures.

“The immediate priority remains to provide emergency shelter and relief materials needed by affected communities to stabilise the situation,” Ntshavheni said. 

She said work also continues to restore basic services such as water, sanitation and electricity. “This includes ensuring that those affected obtain identity (ID) documents and temporary ID certificates to access essential services”.

“An assessment of damage to homes and infrastructure and a plan for reconstruction is under way. Once completed, it will allow for the preparation of a comprehensive rehabilitation programme,” Ntshavheni said.

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has confirmed that the official death toll from the recent floods has risen to 101, following additional recoveries by search teams.

The numbers are likely to increase, as there are still individuals who have been reported missing by their families and search operations continue in the affected areas.

 The provincial government has extended heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and “are now left with a profound and multifaceted impact on their lives”. – SAnews.gov.za

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A funding package of R378 million has been secured to assist the City of eThekwini with reducing significant water loss.

This is part of the work of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG), Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced on Thursday at a post Cabinet media briefing.

This stride coincides with a 30% reduction in sewer and water repair backlogs in the city.

Addressing members of the media in Cape Town, the Minister said Cabinet was updated on the workings of the PeWG during its meeting on Wednesday.

The PeWG is a multi-stakeholder mechanism to address critical service delivery, infrastructure, and socio-economic challenges within the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, with the goal of positioning the city as an investment and tourism hub.

“Domestic travel to eThekwini is also on the rebound, increasing by 33% year-on-year and contributing over R17.4 billion in economic value. International tourist arrivals also rose by 9.8%, bringing in R3.3 billion,” Ntshavheni said.

The working group was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in April 2024 to respond to the challenges of the municipality and to accelerate support from national and provincial government to rebuild the municipality.

It operates across three spheres of government and includes representatives from the private sector and labour. – SAnews.gov.za

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Cabinet has been briefed on the phased arrival of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This follows the Southern African Development Community (SADC) decision to terminate the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) intervention.

“About 1 718 SANDF troops have now arrived in the country, and more are expected to arrive over the next few weeks. Cabinet reaffirmed South Africa’s continued commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Southern African region and commended the efforts by the SANDF troops to contribute towards restoring peace, security and stability in the DRC,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday.

The withdrawal of the soldiers was announced by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, in May, following a “high level consultation with several role-players in the peacekeeping efforts within the eastern DRC”.

READ | Over 200 SANDF troops return from DRC mission

Earlier this year, 14 troop members lost their lives and others sustained injuries during clashes with the M23 rebel group, 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. 

The South African soldiers were part of the SAMIDRC, which aims to help restore peace, security, and stability in Africa’s second-largest country.  –SAnews.gov.za