Category: South Africa Government

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SABC marks 75 years of public service journalism

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Government has congratulated the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) as its news division marks 75 years of public service journalism. 

“Since its inception in 1950, SABC News has played a critical role in informing, educating and empowering citizens across the country.

“Over the decades, SABC News has evolved alongside South Africa’s democracy, covering the country’s most defining moments, from the struggle for liberation to the birth of a democratic State, and beyond.

“Its continued commitment to accessible and balanced reporting has cemented its role as a trusted source of information for millions of people in our country,” said government in a statement.

Government has also paid tribute to veteran journalist and International News Editor, Sophie Mokoena, who signs off from the public broadcaster after 31 years of outstanding service to SABC News and the nation. 

“Mokoena’s reporting brought South Africans closer to the world and made global news more accessible and relevant to South African audiences. We commend her immense contribution to public broadcasting and wish her well in her future endeavours,” said the statement issued by Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). – SAnews.gov.za

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Mashatile calls for SA and China to shift focus from raw material trade to collaborative industrialisation

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa and China are at a crucial juncture in redefining their economic partnership, moving from a focus on raw material trade to a collaborative approach to industrialisation. 

This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who was speaking during a working dinner with the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) and Standard Bank at the China World Summit Wing Hotel Conference Hall in Beijing.

“South Africa and China are at a pivotal moment to redefine our economic partnership, from raw material trade to co-industrialisation. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future that brings prosperity to our people and strengthens the bonds between our nations.“

The Deputy President emphasised the need for collaboration in strategic sectors to promote investment and trade in areas such as battery manufacturing, critical minerals, renewable energy, green hydrogen, infrastructure, rail modernisation, and metallurgy revitalisation.

“South Africa presents significant investment opportunities in metallurgy and smelter revitalisation, driven by its rich mineral resources and the global shift towards a low-carbon economy.

“Let us turn commitments into concrete projects that create jobs, transfer technology, and position South Africa as China’s gateway to Africa.”

Mashatile is currently in China for a strategic working visit.

The purpose of the visit, which began on Monday, is to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance economic cooperation between South Africa and China.

He told the attendees that the gathering signifies the importance of fostering strong partnerships between South Africa and China in strategic sectors for investment and trade promotion. 

“With the diversified resources of South Africa and the economic strength of China, there is a great deal that we can accomplish together. We must augment our collaboration, especially in critical industries poised for investment and trade.” 

Currently, the Deputy President stated that South Africa and China have strong economic cooperation, with bilateral commerce amounting to US$34 billion in 2024 and Chinese foreign direct investment in South Africa being US$13.21 billion. 

The Deputy President believes that this partnership is characterised by a growing trade relationship, with China being South Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.

“A notable aspect of the trade relationship is the trade imbalance, where South Africa exports primarily raw materials to China and imports manufactured goods, creating a trade deficit for South Africa. South Africa needs to benefit more from its active, albeit highly unequal, trading partnership with China,” he said. 

He said the dinner presented a strategic opportunity to leverage the institutions’ financial expertise and advisory market insights to deepen investment in SA’s priority sectors and to also address trade imbalances by promoting value-added exports and technology transfer. 

The Deputy President said the platform was crucial to advancing partnerships in renewable energy, critical minerals, infrastructure, and manufacturing under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework.

“Through the process of recognising and capitalising on these key sectors, we can create an environment in which both of our economies benefit and in which we make progress towards our common objectives.

“I am certain that the many areas of expertise and knowledge that have been collected around these tables will make it possible for us to devise specific plans and strategies that can be put into action, which will propel our partnership ahead.” 

He also highlighted some opportunities in green industrialisation, infrastructure financing, and export diversification. 

“In addition to a rapidly expanding renewable energy industry, the country’s plentiful natural resources, which include minerals that are essential for the development of environmentally friendly technology, provide a solid basis for the expansion of green industrialisation.” 

Meanwhile, he stressed that strategic investments in infrastructure, particularly in water and sanitation, and a focus on export diversification can further drive sustainable economic development and job creation. 

Mashatile said there was potential for South Africa and China to work together to foster innovation, the transfer of technology, and the development of skills.

“There is the potential for us to form partnerships that are beneficial to both parties if we capitalise on our skills and explore new ways of working together.

“Through partnership and working together for a common purpose, we can realise the full potential of both our countries.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Global challenges require ‘bold, cooperative leadership’ – Godongwana

Source: Government of South Africa

The G20 bloc must remain a source of leadership and action in development, as the world economy and countries continue to face a multitude of challenges.

This is the word from Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, who delivered the opening remarks at the 3rd G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday.

“We meet at a time of a fragile global economic growth. While inflation is gradually moderating and financial conditions have started to stabilise in some regions, uncertainty continues to weigh heavily on global growth prospects.

“Rising trade barriers, persistent global imbalances and new geopolitical risks are… concerns,” he said.

Furthermore, many developing countries – particularly those in Africa – remain “burdened by high and rising debt vulnerabilities, constrained fiscal space and high cost of capital”, which limits their ability to invest in their economies.

“Technological shifts, especially in artificial intelligence and digital finance, offer tremendous potential but also demand robust governance and coordinated action to harness to the opportunities, mitigate risks such as job displacement, and bridge digital divides towards inclusive growth.

“At the same time, climate-related shocks and extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and severity worldwide, impacting lives, livelihoods and economic stability.  The cumulative impact of these cascading challenges is pushing the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 further out of reach,” Godongwana said.

The Minister noted that developing countries, particularly those in Africa, face a “staggering” yearly financing gap of some $4 trillion for sustainable development.

“The message from the 4th Financing for Development Conference in Spain was unequivocal: We must act decisively, choose cooperation over fragmentation, unity over division and action over inaction before the window to deliver on our shared commitment closes.

“In the face of these complex challenges, the G20 must remain a source of strategic global leadership, cooperation and action. We must extend our efforts if we are to reach our true potential as a collective, to enable us to deal decisively with economic, environmental, developmental and social challenges that plague… low-income countries in other regions and small developing States.

“We have a critical role to play in revitalising and strengthening multilateralism by fostering inclusive dialogue, reinforcing rules-based cooperation and driving collective action in global challenges that no country can solve alone,” Godongwana said.

He called on the delegates to approach discussions at the meeting to with “open minds, collective purpose and a determination to deliver progress”.

“The need for bold, cooperative leadership has never been greater,” Godongwana said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Speech by Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, on the occasion of The Presidency Budget Vote 2025/2026, National Assembly

Source: President of South Africa –

Madame Speaker,
His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa,
Deputy President of the Republic, The Honourable Paul Mashatile, (In absentia)
Members of the Executive,
Honourable Chief Whip,
Honourable Members of the House,
Distinguished guests.
Mr President,  

Madame Speaker, after the 2024 May Election results, the political parties committed to see South Africa move forward, anchored on strengthening our constitutional democracy came together guided the Statement of Intent, to form Government of National Unity. Our constitution, founded on amongst others, the Freedom Charter, adopted 70 years ago. The constitution, in the preamble enjoins us to improve the quality of life of every citizen and free the potential of each person.

We accept that the challenges confronting our country are stark. We are contending with the stubborn legacy of colonialism and apartheid that continues to manifest itself through inequality, youth unemployment and slow economic growth. But we remain resolute.

Through the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI), and cross-cutting coordination with social partners, we are shifting the dial and scaling solutions that are showing real impact.

One of the most promising interventions we are leading is Jobs Boost, a groundbreaking outcomes-based employment model. Jobs Boost is a R300 million pay-for-performance initiative currently being piloted. 

This programme which is currently in its pilot phase, seeks to connect 4,500 of the most marginalised young people in our country to sustainable, quality jobs. It is among the largest outcomes funds globally dedicated to youth employment. 

Mr President, What makes Jobs Boost particularly powerful is its laser focus on inclusion and results. The programme targets young people who have matriculated from quintile 1 to 3 schools or received child support grants, and who have no formal post-school qualifications. These are the youth most at risk of long-term exclusion. 

Jobs Boost ensures they are placed in high-quality jobs that are employer-paid, and monitors whether they remain in these jobs. 

To date, twelve implementing partners have begun rolling out the programme. Since September 2024, we have seen:
• 4,136 young people placed in sustainable jobs,
• 1,543 of them have retained these jobs for at least three months,
• 825 have remained employed for six months or longer.

These are not just numbers; they represent young lives being changed. They represent families who now have a steady income. 

The pilot will conclude in December 2025, and early indicators suggest that Jobs Boost will not only meet its targets but also set a new benchmark for how we tackle youth unemployment. We look forward to scaling this model in 2026, in partnership with the private sector and donors.

Linked to this success is the growing impact of SAYouth.mobi, the digital platform that is the heartbeat of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention. Since its launch in 2020, SA Youth has grown to over 4.7 million registered users. 

Through the platform, young people have accessed more than 1.67 million earning opportunities. These include jobs supported by the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the Youth Employment Service, and the National Youth Service.

This platform is not only large in scale but also deeply equitable. Over 70% of the opportunities accessed have gone to young black African women. More than 73% of users come from quintile 1 to 3 schools, and 65% live in households where at least one member receives a social grant. 

These statistics show that SA Youth is reaching the very people who need it most.

Speaker, this is what inclusive development looks like. When we design systems intentionally to serve the poor and unemployed, we bend the trajectory of this country towards justice and shared prosperity.

These achievements are not accidental. They are the result of strong coordination led by the Presidency, and the tireless work of departments and delivery partners across the state. 

As we move forward, we invite all sectors of society to be part of the solution. The Jobs Boost model demonstrates the power of partnership. Equally so, the SA Youth platform thrives because of cooperation between government, business, and civil society. 

Honourable Members, we are laying the foundation for a new economy. One that works for all, especially the youth. One that sees potential in our people, not just risk. One that rewards innovation, not exclusion.

Madame speaker, I also wish to highlight the responsibilities of Deputy President Paul Mashatile who is on official assignment abroad, whose work continues to strengthen the Presidency’s leadership across critical social and economic programmes.

The Office of the Deputy President leads our national response to HIV, TB and STIs through his stewardship of the South African National AIDS Council. Under his leadership, the country is intensifying efforts to reach the 95-95-95 targets, while also strengthening partnerships with civil society and the private sector to reduce vulnerability and address the social drivers of disease. 

This includes prioritising gender-based violence and femicide, and aligning our work with global efforts to end AIDS in children by 2030. At the World TB Day commemoration in Mpumalanga earlier this year, the Deputy President reminded us that ending TB is not just a health imperative but a matter of dignity and justice. He reaffirmed our commitment to invest in early diagnosis, community-led monitoring and strengthening the health systems that support vulnerable people. His call to action is clear. We must ensure that no one is left behind in our fight to end preventable illness and suffering. 

Madame Speaker, The Presidency is also leading the Human Resource Development Council, advancing the implementation of South Africa’s Human Resource Development Strategy Towards 2030. The Council has committed to deepening coordination across sectors to solve the structural skills mismatch in our economy.

The National Skills Advisory Forum was launched, which will serve as a strategic platform for all stakeholders to jointly diagnose, prioritise and respond to South Africa’s skills challenges. 

This initiative reflects a shift toward a more agile, data-driven and responsive human development ecosystem that aligns with our growth sectors and transformation objectives. This forum is about more than training people for jobs, it is about building the competencies and capabilities of an empowered nation.

The Presidency emphasises on building capacity for the Just Energy Transition is especially critical. Through the Just Energy Skills Forum, we are ensuring that South Africa’s energy future is not just clean but also inclusive. 

Workers and communities affected by the transition will not be left behind. Instead, they will be equipped to lead it. The HRDC’s work is laying the foundation for industrialisation pathways that are both green and just. 

The upcoming Fifth HRDC Summit, which will assess progress and chart the next phase, is a moment to galvanise action across the skills landscape. The HRDC is not an observer it is an enabler of change. This work is essential for preparing our workforce for the demands of a 21st century economy, and is being done in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and partners across labour, business, academia and communities.

Lastly fellow Members, I would like to remind some amongst us in the GNU, that what binds us, is the statement of intent, whose foundation is the respect of our constitution and constitutional democracy. I would like to warn the DA, that being in the GNU does not give a license to alter the constitution or pick and choose constitutional provisions that we like and throw others of the window because we don’t like them. 
 

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Premier Mokgosi to visit elderly in Mazista

Source: Government of South Africa

Premier Mokgosi to visit elderly in Mazista

Elderly people in Mazista village in Swartruggens will on Friday be paid a visit by the North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi.

As part of commemorating International Nelson Mandela Day, the Premier will carry out renovations at a centre for elderly people as well as donate equipment for their vegetable garden and groceries.

Mokgosi will be accompanied by Members of the Executive Council and Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality Mayor Thabo Jacobs as well as senior government officials.

“The initiative, which is a collaborative effort between government and various social partners, gives impetus to this year’s celebrations held under the theme: ‘Uniting to combat poverty and inequity’,” said the Premier’s office in a statement.

The late former President Nelson Mandela, in addressing the scourge of poverty, suffering and deprivation, said: “It is in your hands to make our world a better one for all, especially the poor, vulnerable and marginalised.”

These profound words by the global icon and father of the nation are at the heart of the actions this Nelson Mandela Day in tackling poverty, fighting inequality and building a society based on justice. 

The day is an opportunity for citizens to recognise their individual power to change the world for the better. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine

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Mandela Day: New change room facilities at Westbury Open Grounds

Source: Government of South Africa

Mandela Day: New change room facilities at Westbury Open Grounds

The Chairperson of Committees of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Bishop Dulton Adams, will lead a Mandela Day activation in Westbury on Friday.

This as South Africans join the global community in commemorating the late former President Nelson Mandela’s legacy on 18 July 2025 for Nelson Mandela International Day, which is also known as Mandela Day.

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature will highlight the construction of change room facilities at the Westbury Open Grounds.

This responds directly to the needs of the community by ensuring young players, especially girls, have access to safe, private spaces to change before and after matches.

The event, aimed at promoting youth development, dignity, and social upliftment through sport, demonstrates the Legislature’s commitment to building a better, more inclusive society.

“This initiative forms part of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s public participation mandate, reaffirming its role as a caring, activist and people-centred Legislature. The Legislature continues to champion cooperative governance and promote meaningful engagement with communities, especially those most in need,” it said in a statement.

The activation will start at 10am at the Mabaleng Stadium. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine

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States announce several measures to halt the Gaza genocide at Bogotá conference

Source: Government of South Africa

States announce several measures to halt the Gaza genocide at Bogotá conference

In a significant multilateral initiative, a coalition of countries from various regions has agreed on six coordinated diplomatic, legal and economic measures aimed at restraining Israel’s actions in the occupied Palestinian territories and upholding international law.

The Emergency Conference of The Hague Group, jointly organised by the governments of Colombia and South Africa as co-chairs, brought together 30 nations from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. 

“In the deliberations at the Bogotá conference, all 30 participating States unanimously agreed that the era of impunity must end – and that international law must be enforced without fear or favour through immediate domestic policies and legislation – along with a unified call for an immediate ceasefire,” a joint statement issued at the end of the conference read. 

To initiate this process, 12 countries from around the world – Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Indonesia, Iraq, Libya, Malaysia, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and South Africa – convened in Bogotá, Colombia, for two days. 

READ | Israel’s disregard for ICJ rulings undermines global governance, says Dangor

The countries committed to immediately implement six measures through their domestic legal and administrative systems. 

The leaders have scheduled a meeting for 20 September, coinciding with the 80th United Nations General Assembly, to invite more countries to join this initiative. Consultations with governments worldwide are currently underway.

The countries have since announced several measures to be adopted based on the States’ domestic legal and legislative frameworks. This includes a ban on arms shipments to Israel, a prohibition on ships transporting such arms, and a review of public contracts to identify any links to companies benefiting from the Israeli occupation. 

In addition, the group supports “universal jurisdiction mandates”, which would enable States or international bodies to prosecute serious international crimes, regardless of where they occurred.

“These 12 States have taken a momentous step forward,” said UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory, Francesca Albanese. 

“The clock is now ticking for States – from Europe to the Arab world and beyond – to join them.”

The conference agreed to set a deadline for States’ final decisions by September 2025, in line with the 12-month timeframe mandated by United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/ES-10/24, adopted on 18 September 2024.

That resolution called on all States to take effective action on Israel’s violations of international law, including accountability, sanctions, and cessation of support — within one year of adoption.

“We came to Bogotá to make history – and we did,” said Colombian President Gustavo Petro. 

“Together, we have begun the work of ending the era of impunity. These measures show that we will no longer allow international law to be treated as optional, or Palestinian life as disposable.” 

South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, said what they have achieved is a collective affirmation that no State is above the law. 

“The Hague Group was born to advance international law in an era of impunity. The measures adopted in Bogotá show that we are serious and that coordinated State action is possible,” said Lamola. 

The Executive Secretary of The Hague Group, Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla, said the conference marks a turning point – not just for Palestine, but for the future of the international system.  

“For decades, States, particularly in the Global South, have borne the cost of a broken international system. In Bogotá, they came together to reclaim it, not with words, but with actions.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

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Many South Africans ‘eagerly awaiting’ National Dialogue

Source: Government of South Africa

As many as 737 organisations have registered their wish to participate in various elements of the National Dialogue, which will take place next month. 

This is according to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who was speaking during the debate on the Presidency Budget Vote on Wednesday.

She said this showed that many South Africans were eagerly awaiting this process.

The national dialogue is a historic process to bring South Africans together and chart a common path forward.

“As the President has indicated, the national dialogue is one of the most important pillars of any thriving democracy. It is a bridge that connects government to citizens, leaders to communities, and one generation to the next. 

“In moments of uncertainty, it provides clarity. And in seasons of transformation, it offers us direction and shared purpose. From South Africa’s own journey out of apartheid, where dialogue laid the foundation for reconciliation and democracy, the lesson is clear: when people talk— honestly, openly, and respectfully—nations change,” said the Minister.

She said the National Dialogue was not an event but a process that would commence on 15 August and take place for a period of no less than 12 months. 

“The national dialogue must be a culture. A culture where disagreement is not a threat, but a sign of a healthy democracy. A culture where every voice matters —whether from the hills of the rural provinces or the corridors of our cities. 

“A culture where the youth are not just heard but involved, and where the marginalized are not only included but empowered.”

She said to achieve these goals, the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team and IMC have proposed an inclusive process that will be immersed in deep citizen engagements that prioritise the voice of those who feel marginalised. 

They have identified 30 sectors around which to mobilise, with an emphasis on the diversity and inclusion of the often-marginalised sections of society. 

In its entirety the National Dialogue will involve the following layers of conversation: 

1. The first National Convention on 15 August 2025 with 1000 delegates. This is an agenda setting convention which will prepare the nation for the community engagements. 

2. Community dialogues with 13400 ward-based community dialogues. 

3. The online platform aims to reach no less than 2.5 million citizens. 

4. There will be smaller citizen-hosted events in churches and community groups that shall have access to the toolkit being designed so that the outcomes feed into the process. 

5. Sectoral dialogues – self organised in specific social or economic sectors which shall also have access to the toolkit so that their outcomes feed into the process.

6. The 2nd National Convention will be the concluding event that converts the engagements into a National Compact and 30 Year Plan of Action. It is estimated that this will be about another 1000 delegates. 

7. A detailed implementation plan. 

8. A national roadshow to socialise the outcomes of the National Dialogue and engage with implementation partners.

9. Independent, citizen-led monitoring and evaluation. 

The national dialogue will promote government social cohesion efforts and strengthen social compacting as led by the Deputy President. The Deputy President-led social cohesion efforts have prioritised a focus on gender-based violence and femicide, teenage pregnancy, racism, sexism and patriarchy, as well as the role of families in building communities.

The majority of the work of conceptualising and planning for the National Dialogue process has been undertaken by ordinary citizens from various walks of life who have volunteered their time, skills and resources to this national effort over the past 12 months, said the Minister.

To register go to : https://nationaldialogue.org.za/. – SAnews.gov.za

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Mandela Day: Regulator to roll up its sleeves

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, July 17, 2025

In honour of Mandela Day, the Railway Safety Regulator is set to roll up its sleeves by painting classrooms, donating school uniforms and providing essential computer hardware and software to two schools in the Northern Cape.

“In honour of Mandela Day 2025, Traxtion, AfriSam and the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) will be joining hands to make a tangible difference in the Northern Cape. Driven by a shared commitment to community upliftment, the organisations will invest time and resources in two deserving schools: Ulco Primary School and Delportshoop Intermediate School,” the RSR said in a statement.

Friday’s initiative will also include the refurbishment of the Grade R playground.

“In addition, the Delportshoop Community Library will receive much-needed support in the form of updated computer hardware and software,” the RSR said.

South Africans will join the global community in commemorating Mandela’s legacy on 18 July 2025 for Nelson Mandela International Day, which is also known as Mandela Day.

According to the National Mandela Foundation, the day is a call to action for individuals, communities, and organisations to take time to reflect on Mandela’s values and principles and to make a positive impact in their own communities.

Mandela was democratic South Africa’s founding President. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

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DWS to probe presence of ARVs in water after university study

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, July 17, 2025

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says it will engage the North West University (NWU) on the study findings of traces of anti-retroviral (ARV) medicines in water resources.

The research was conducted by the NWU’s Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management and the Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research. It found that ARVs appear to be entering water resources through municipal wastewater treatment systems, which were usually not designed to remove such chemicals.

The report titled, ‘Quantification, fate, and hazard assessment of HIV-ARVs in water resources’, revealed significant concentrations of ARVs in water sources, particularly downstream of wastewater treatment plants.

The drugs most frequently detected were lopinavir and efavirenz, with concentrations at some sites far exceeding global norms.

According to the study, this is attributed to South Africa’s large-scale HIV treatment programme, the most extensive of its kind worldwide.

The research highlighted alarming effects on aquatic ecosystems and wastewater management systems. Freshwater snails exposed to ARVs exhibited altered embryonic development, while bacteriophages – viruses critical to controlling bacteria in wastewater treatment – were significantly impacted.

“Such disruptions could lead to bacterial bloom and reduced water quality. The consumption of any type of exogenous drug by any organism in sufficient quantities may intervene with the regulation of metabolic systems and bring about adverse effects. The presence of antiretrovirals in water can be considered a hidden or latent risk,” the report noted.

The report was submitted to the Water Research Commission (WRC).

The DWS said it will engage the university on its findings and potential impacts.

“This will be done in conjunction with the Water Research Commission and the Department of Health,” the department said in a statement on Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za