Category: South Africa Government

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Prof. Blade Nzimande has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening scientific and technological cooperation with China during a high-level bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai.

Nzimande met with China’s Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Yin Hejun, where the two leaders explored ways to deepen collaboration in key areas of science, technology and innovation.

The Minister thanked the People’s Republic of China for inviting South Africa to the formal launch of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), of which South Africa is one of the founding members.

He also welcomed the opening address by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the conference, describing it as deeply insightful, and reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to supporting the operationalisation of WAICO.

The bilateral engagement focused on expanding cooperation in strategic fields, including artificial intelligence, joint research centres and laboratories, space science and astronomy, quantum computing, cybersecurity, public engagement, youth development, and the Young Scientists Exchange Programme.

Nzimande also outlined South Africa’s plans to establish its own national science and technology museum and expressed appreciation to China for designating South Africa as a “Country of Honour” at the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum, scheduled to take place in China in September 2026.

The Minister further thanked China for its support of South Africa’s G20 Presidency and extended an invitation to the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology to participate in the Science Forum South Africa, Africa’s premier global science gathering, which will be held in December this year. 

WAIC 2026 takes place as South Africa observes National Science Month in July. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says a surface high-pressure system is expected to dominate the central and eastern parts of the country, while a cold front is forecast to move south of the country on Thursday.

“Isolated rain/showers are expected over the southern parts of Gauteng on Thursday (very low chance), as well as along the east and south coasts from Thursday until Saturday. Otherwise, fine and cold-to-cool conditions are expected for the week,” the weather service said.

Meanwhile, Monday’s forecast indicates fine and cold-to-cool conditions across most parts of the country. However, it will be partly cloudy along the coastal areas, with isolated showers possible along the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal and the adjacent interior.

On Tuesday, fine conditions are expected over the south-western parts of the country. Elsewhere, it will be partly cloudy and warm to cool, with isolated showers and thundershowers possible from the afternoon.

“Members of the public and stakeholders are strongly urged to continuously monitor official SAWS forecasts and warnings, as warnings will be updated as the likelihood and severity of impacts become clearer. The public is also advised to remain cautious of unauthorised or unverified information sources and refrain from distributing such information further,” the weather service said. –SAnews.gov.za

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The Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has expressed condolences following the passing of Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders chairperson, Nkosi Mpumalanga Gwadiso.

Eastern Cape CoGTA MEC Zolile Williams said he was shocked by the sudden passing of Gwadiso on Friday, describing the loss as unexpected, as the traditional leader had been recovering well from a broken leg.

Williams noted that Gwadiso had recently attended a commemorative event at the Qamata Great Place of the Kingdom of Ukumkani Dalimvula Matanzima, which was attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

As chairperson of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders and head of the Khonjwayo Traditional Council, Gwadiso was recognised for his commitment to strengthening traditional governance and advancing the interests of traditional and Khoisan leaders and their communities.

Williams said the late traditional leader championed several community development initiatives, particularly in agriculture, including maize production and household food gardens, which contributed to poverty alleviation, job creation and long-term socio-economic development.

He also described Gwadiso as a strong advocate for social justice and the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), working to foster safer and more equitable communities.

“His leadership has extended to national platforms, including the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa), where he is widely respected for his dedication to cultural preservation, collaborative governance, and social progress.

“Nkosi Gwadiso is known for his visionary leadership style, firmly rooted in community consultation and belief that traditional leaders must actively engage with their people to fully understand and respond to their needs and aspirations,” Williams said.

He added that Gwadiso’s inclusive approach will continue to inspire meaningful dialogue and impactful action on issues affecting rural and traditional communities across the Eastern Cape and beyond.

The MEC extended his condolences to the Gwadiso family, the Khonjwayo Traditional Council and the people of Ntsumgwane village in Ngqeleni. 

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in due course.

Condolences on the passing of North West MPL Bogatsu

The North West Provincial Legislature has joined the people of the province in mourning the passing of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of the Provincial Legislature, Primrose Bogatsu, who dedicated service to the institution and the people she represented.

North West Provincial Legislature Speaker, Dr Desbo Mohono, announced the passing of Bogatsu, who passed away on Friday morning.

On behalf of the Legislature, Mohono conveyed condolences to the Bogatsu family, the EFF and all those who served alongside the late legislator.

“Primrose Bogatsu served the people of the North West with commitment and dedication. Her contribution to the work of the Legislature and to the advancement of our constitutional democracy will be remembered with gratitude,” Mohono said.

The North West Provincial Legislature will hold a Memorial Sitting in honour of Bogatsu on Wednesday, 22 July, at 10am in the Legislature Chamber.

Details of the memorial service and funeral arrangements will be communicated once finalised in consultation with the Bogatsu family and the EFF. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Gauteng Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) has arrested a 42-year-old former Emfuleni Local Municipality Fleet Manager on charges of fraud and corruption. 

The ex-employee is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court this morning.

“The arrest is linked to the alleged irregular awarding and implementation of a municipal vehicle fleet tender, in which approximately R16 million was paid to a service provider for the delivery of 18 municipal vehicles, including UD trucks and bakkies,” the police said in a statement.

“Investigations revealed that only seven of the contracted vehicles were delivered to the municipality, despite full payment allegedly having been made to the service provider. The investigation remains ongoing and further arrests have not been ruled out,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has commended members of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and Gauteng Counter Intelligence Operations (GCI-OPS) for their relentless efforts in ensuring that three high-profile cases reached the trial stage.

Today, members of the PKTT and GCI-OPS will appear before the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg, where accused persons, including the alleged mastermind behind the contract killings, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, will stand trial for the attempted murders of businessman Joe Sibanyoni, media personality Tebogo Thobejane, and musician DJ Vettys.

Dimpane praised the investigators for their unwavering commitment, resilience, and determination in building watertight cases against those allegedly responsible for planning and executing these attacks.

“The commencement of this trial is the result of months of meticulous investigations, intelligence-driven operations, and evidence collection by members who refused to give up until those responsible were brought before the courts,” Dimpane said.

Investigations into the three cases commenced in December 2024.

Through extensive investigative work, detectives and intelligence operatives were able to link the accused across the three matters.

The Acting National Commissioner said the State’s case is supported by compelling evidence collected during the investigation.

“Our investigators have collected overwhelming evidence that exposes the role played by each accused. This evidence will be presented before the court, and we are confident that the truth will emerge during the trial.”

Investigators have thus far recovered two firearms linked to the attempted murders of Joe Sibanyoni and DJ Vettys. Further forensic and ballistic evidence forms part of the State’s case.

Dimpane said the beginning of the trial should serve as a warning to individuals involved in organised violent crime.

“This is a clear message to anyone who plans and executes contract killings: SAPS will pursue you relentlessly.

“We will use every available resource, every investigative tool, and every intelligence capability at our disposal to ensure that criminal syndicates are dismantled and that those responsible are removed from society for a very long time.”

She said the victims and their families deserve justice and that SAPS remains committed to ensuring accountability.
The Acting National Commissioner reiterated her confidence in the work of the Political Killings Task Team, Gauteng Counter Intelligence Operations, and all investigators involved in the matter, and expressed hope that the trial will result in lengthy prison sentences for those found guilty. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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South Africa will use the upcoming Essential Oils Conference to unlock new opportunities for producers across the value chain and expand its global market share.

According to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) Deputy Director-General of Sectors, Dr Tebogo Makube, South Africa has a unique opportunity to transform its biodiversity into a globally competitive industry that delivers inclusive economic growth.

“South Africa’s natural biodiversity is one of our greatest economic assets. By investing in quality infrastructure, innovation and internationally recognised standards, we are creating the conditions for local producers to compete successfully in premium global markets while advancing industrialisation and export-led growth,” he said. 

Makube said government is committed to ensuring that more value is added locally before products enter international markets.

“Our ambition is not simply to export raw natural resources, but to develop globally competitive manufacturing industries that produce high-value essential oil products. This approach strengthens industrial capability, creates employment and enables South African businesses to capture greater value from global supply chains,” he said.

Makube added that the conference will help unlock new opportunities for producers across the value chain.

The dtic will host the Essential Oils Conference in Pretoria from 23 to 24 July 2026, under the theme: “Treasures of the Past Leading to the Trophy of the Future.”

The conference comes at a time of growing global demand for natural ingredients, sustainable cosmetics and plant-based wellness products, providing a platform for industry stakeholders to explore ways to strengthen South Africa’s competitiveness in the rapidly expanding essential oils market.

Through a focus on quality, innovation, value addition and export readiness, the conference aims to position South Africa’s biodiversity economy to capture a greater share of international trade while supporting industrialisation, rural development and inclusive economic growth.

The conference will be hosted in partnership with the Southern African Essential Oil Producers’ Association (SAEOPA), the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

The conference forms part of the UNIDO-SECO Global Quality and Standards Programme (GQSP), a 42-month partnership with the dtic to strengthen South Africa’s quality infrastructure, improve compliance with international standards and enhance the competitiveness of locally produced essential and vegetable oils in global markets.

Valued at more than USD15 billion, the global essential oils market continues to grow as demand increases for natural, sustainably sourced products used in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, food, fragrance and wellness industries. 

Although South Africa currently exports approximately USD73.5 million worth of essential oils annually, the country is well positioned to expand its market share through its rich biodiversity, which includes high-value indigenous oils such as buchu, Cape chamomile, rose geranium, helichrysum, marula and baobab.

As the lead department responsible for industrial development and export competitiveness, the dtic is implementing interventions to strengthen quality infrastructure, promote value addition and beneficiation, facilitate market access and support greater participation by small, medium and emerging enterprises in domestic and international value chains.

“The essential oils sector has significant potential to create sustainable livelihoods, particularly for rural communities, women-owned enterprises, youth entrepreneurs and small businesses. 

“By bringing together producers, buyers, researchers, development partners and policymakers, this conference will strengthen collaboration, improve export readiness and position South Africa as a trusted supplier of premium, sustainably produced essential and vegetable oils,”  Makube said.

The conference will bring together producers, exporters, manufacturers, researchers, laboratories, certification bodies, government institutions, international buyers and investors to discuss market diversification, responsible agriculture, quality assurance, sustainability, innovation and emerging export opportunities.

It reflects the dtic’s ongoing commitment to developing globally competitive industries that harness South Africa’s natural endowments to drive industrialisation, increase exports, create decent employment and foster inclusive economic growth. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to building inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities.

Delivering the country’s statement at the High-Level Political Meeting on the Review of Progress in the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda (NUA) in New York, Simelane said the country is intensifying efforts to tackle informal settlements, improve housing delivery and accelerate urban transformation.

Simelane said South Africa remains committed to fulfilling the global commitments adopted in Quito, Ecuador, in 2016.

The meeting, held on 16 – 17 July 2026, reviewed progress made by Member States in implementing the New Urban Agenda, which seeks to promote sustainable urban development and support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 on sustainable cities and communities.

Simelane said South Africa has submitted its Second National Report on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, outlining progress achieved since the country’s first report, while identifying persistent challenges and priorities for accelerated action.

“The report reflects our national efforts and reaffirms South Africa’s commitment to the effective implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 11,” Simelane said.

The Minister highlighted several policy reforms that have strengthened South Africa’s urban development agenda, including the National Development Plan (NDP) and the Integrated Urban Development Framework (IUDF), which guides the creation of inclusive and resilient cities.

“Our National Development Plan, covering 2012 to 2030, guides sustainable development, while the Integrated Urban Development Framework, adopted in 2016, has concretised policies for inclusive and resilient cities, centred on human advancements. The IUDF is further underpinned by targeted efforts to drive equitable urban transformation,” Simelane said.

She said the review of key policy instruments, including the White Paper on Local Government and the White Paper for Human Settlements, is intended to improve service delivery, accountability and government responsiveness in the face of rapid urbanisation.

Simelane also highlighted the District Development Model (DDM), introduced in 2019, as an important mechanism for improving coordination across all spheres of government to ensure integrated development that responds to community needs.

Recognising informal settlements as one of South Africa’s most pressing urban challenges, the Minister said government has expanded its informal settlements upgrading programme through improved planning, stronger tenure security and accelerated upgrading interventions.

She said these efforts are aligned with commitments contained in the draft political declaration adopted during the review process, including advancing social inclusion and reducing poverty, expanding access to basic services, and accelerating the transformation of informal settlements and slums.

According to Simelane, these interventions are aimed at restoring dignity to vulnerable communities while fostering more people-centred urban spaces.

The Minister also reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to implementing the outcomes of the Africa Urban Forum, especially the mainstreaming of housing delivery as an integrated economic and social development instrument.

She stressed the importance of stronger partnerships between government, development finance institutions, communities, civil society organisations and the private sector to scale up the delivery of adequate housing.

“These priorities are particularly important, as South Africa, like many countries across our continent, continues to experience the effects of rapid urbanisation and the complex challenges associated with human mobility. Addressing these challenges requires integrated, inclusive and forward-looking approaches that ensuring that no one is left behind,” the Minister said.

She reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to international solidarity, human dignity and the rule of law, saying the country would continue working with regional and international partners to promote sustainable development, inclusive urbanisation and expanded economic opportunities.

“We will continue to work with regional and international partners to advance sustainable development, promote inclusive urbanisation, expand economic opportunities, recognising that these efforts are essential to advancing a shared vision of sustainable urban development.

“Through strengthened regional cooperation, we reaffirm our commitment to a shared, peaceful and prosperous Africa, as envisaged in ‘Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want’, while upholding the human rights, dignity and fundamental freedoms of all people in accordance with international law and applicable international obligations,” Simelane said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has provided a breakdown of the approximately R31 million spent on South Africa’s FIFA World Cup 2026 delegation and programme activities linked to fan engagement, activations and legacy initiatives, including artists and cultural participants.

This follows questions raised in Parliament and the media over the past week about spending linked to South Africa’s engagement at the World Cup.

According to the Minister, private sector partners, including Brand South Africa, Coca-Cola, HONOR, Betway, Cell C and Old School, funded Lucky Fans, journalists, podcasters and influencers who travelled as part of the programme, along with further fan mobilisation activities.

“That sponsorship sat outside the department’s own expenditure. The FIFA World Cup was the largest global sports, arts, and culture platform of the year, and it only comes around every four years. 

“Spending public money to position South Africa on such a platform is not a deviation from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) mandate – it is exactly the DSAC mandate,” McKenzie explained in a statement on Sunday.

A total of 151 participants were sent to Mexico and the United States for the World Cup, excluding the service provider team.

The breakdown of the R30 945 370.15 spent on the World Cup is as follows:

• Official trips and travel-related expenditure – Minister and two support staff, Director-General and Project Team (14 members): R7 865 134.97
• South Africa 2010 Legends Exhibition Match (involving 27 people in total): R6 706 925.00
• Suites: R3 361 845.18
• Spectator match tickets: R3 011 465.00
• Programme activities linked to fan engagement, Aldea Global participation, Atlanta partnership activations, Monterrey and legacy activities, including the costs of 30 artists and cultural participants and the project delivery team from a service provider: R10 000 000.00

The R7.86 million covered the costs of the official delegation responsible for delivering the programme.

This included international flights, accommodation, local transport, travel insurance, daily allowances and all approved travel costs for McKenzie, executive management and officials responsible for logistics, communications, protocol, governance and programme delivery, as well as South African artists and cultural representatives who formed part of the official delegation.

The R6.71 million funded the South Africa 2010 Legends Programme.

“The match between the 2010 Bafana Bafana legends and Mexico’s 2010 legends was filled. Our football legends didn’t just travel to watch football. They represented South Africa in an official exhibition match and legacy events that celebrated our football history and kept the spirit of 2010 alive while promoting South African football on the global stage,” the Minister said.

The R3.36 million funded official hospitality venues in Atlanta and Monterrey.

The R3.01 million covered 294 official FIFA match tickets across three host cities.

“Those tickets formed part of the approved programme and allowed our delegation, stakeholders and programme participants to attend official World Cup fixtures linked to South Africa’s activation and engagement programme,” McKenzie said.

He said R10 million was spent on building South Africa’s physical presence at the FIFA World Cup, including funding the design, construction and installation of exhibition spaces in Mexico City, Atlanta and Monterrey.

It covered branding, décor, lighting, sound, screens, technical equipment, furniture, logistics, transport, security, maintenance and the teams that built, operated and later dismantled the spaces.

“It funded the actual programme that thousands of football fans experienced. South African musicians performed live. Our chefs introduced the world to South African food. 

“Local artists and crafters displayed and sold South African products proudly. Businesses promoted South Africa as a tourism destination and an investment destination. Visitors walked away with a better understanding of our country, our people and what South Africa has to offer,” McKenzie said. –SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Water and Sanitation is continuing its nationwide public consultations with key stakeholders across the country to determine raw water tariffs for the 2027/28 financial year.

The consultation programme started on 13 July 2026, in Kathu, before moving to Upington and Kimberley in the Northern Cape. Further consultations are expected to continue in the Free State, Eastern Cape, North West and Gauteng.

The public engagement process is to determine raw water charges for the 2027/28 financial year through consultations with stakeholders and water users across the Vaal-Orange Catchment Management Area (VOCMA).

The VOCMA spans five provinces, including the Northern Cape, Free State, Eastern Cape, North West and Gauteng, and includes a broad range of water users.

In accordance with the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA) Act No 1 of 1999 and the Raw Water Pricing Strategy, established in terms of section 56(1) of the National Water Act No. 36 of 1998, the department undertakes annual budget planning and tariff determination.

The department said the consultation with sector organisations will enable them to make inputs to the proposed tariff increases and engage the department on issues that range from budgeting, revenue collection, and billing complexities.

“The proposed charges cover three key areas: Water Resource Management Charges, which fund water resource protection and management; Water Resource Infrastructure Charges, which support the development, operation, and maintenance of government water infrastructure; and the Water Research Levy, which funds water-related research through the Water Research Commission,” the department said in a statement.

In line with its legislative mandate, the Department of Water and Sanitation is required to consult with different key stakeholders, including the mining, industrial, agricultural and energy sectors, as well as domestic water users, to ensure that the proposed tariff adjustments are informed by stakeholder input before they are finalised.

The final proposals on raw water use charges will be tabled for the Minister of Water and Sanitation for approval. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is accelerating efforts to expand access to safe and reliable water to underserved communities as part of honouring the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela.

In his weekly newsletter on Monday following the Mandela Day commemorations on 18 July, President Ramaphosa said celebrating Madiba’s birthday through acts of service reflects a commitment to continue the work he devoted his life to.

“For Madiba, the freedom he fought for was not merely the right to vote. It was the freedom to live with dignity, to live in decent conditions and to enjoy the basic necessities of life,” the President said.

He said government had launched the National Water Access Acceleration Programme through decentralised water supply schemes to respond to the need for safe and reliable water in underserved communities.

The initiative forms part of the priorities announced in this year’s State of the Nation Address to tackle the country’s water crisis, which continues to affect households, communities and businesses.

The programme was launched in Hammanskraal, Gauteng, a community that has faced longstanding water challenges and where lives were lost during a cholera outbreak three years ago.

As part of the intervention, boreholes were handed over to the community, and the Klipdrift Package Water Treatment Plant was officially commissioned.

Similar projects, including borehole drilling, groundwater development, rainwater harvesting and the rehabilitation of existing water supply schemes, have also been rolled out in parts of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

According to the President, the programme is designed to reduce the time between identifying a community’s water needs and delivering functioning water supply systems by using solutions suited to local conditions instead of relying solely on large-scale infrastructure projects.

President Ramaphosa noted that expanding access to water has been one of democracy’s major achievements, with the 2022 Census showing that more than 82% of households have access to piped water either inside their dwelling or within their yard.

He added that the proportion of households without access to piped water has more than halved since 1996.

However, the President acknowledged that many municipalities continue to struggle with maintaining infrastructure, managing water services and responding urgently to service delivery challenges.

“We must acknowledge that in too many municipalities, government has not succeeded with the maintenance of infrastructure, to manage water services properly and to respond with sufficient urgency. Parts of our country are experiencing worsening water shortages and deteriorating water quality. In some places, ageing water infrastructure has collapsed,” he said.

To address these challenges, President Ramaphosa said government established the National Water Crisis Committee earlier this year to coordinate interventions across all spheres of government.

He said the committee is focused on strengthening municipal water and sanitation services, increasing investment in water infrastructure, reforming water sector institutions, improving the legal and regulatory framework, and tackling corruption and criminality in the sector.

“As we learned during the energy crisis, sustainable solutions require putting the necessary building blocks in place rather than relying on quick fixes. Our response to the water crisis focuses on sustainable, long-term reform,” the President said.

He said the National Water Action Plan brings together national, provincial and local government, water boards, regulators and water service authorities under a single programme of action with clear responsibilities and timelines.

Among the immediate interventions already underway are emergency infrastructure projects, including the boreholes in Hammanskraal, which government intends to expand to more communities.

President Ramaphosa also highlighted ongoing legislative reforms, including the establishment of the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency to coordinate investment in bulk water infrastructure.

He said public hearings on the Water Services Amendment Bill will begin soon to strengthen enforcement and enable municipal managers who fail to manage water infrastructure to be held personally liable.

Over the next three years, government has allocated R156 billion towards water and sanitation infrastructure as part of its broader public infrastructure investment programme.

The President said municipalities remain at the frontline of service delivery and will continue receiving support to improve financial sustainability and reinvest water revenue into infrastructure.

He added that where municipalities or officials fail to comply with environmental and water services legislation, government will use available enforcement mechanisms, including directives, criminal proceedings and, where permitted by law, personal liability.

“Water security is among government’s most urgent priorities. Households and businesses experiencing shortages and outages have had enough, and underserved communities across the country still waiting for taps to be installed 32 years into democracy are justifiably tired of waiting,” President Ramaphosa said.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to resolving the water crisis through coordinated action and structural reform.

“Our ultimate goal is not merely to get over the current crisis, but to fulfil Madiba’s vision of all South Africans enjoying their constitutionally enshrined right to access to water and of this right being secured for generations to come. Water is dignity and therefore central to Mandela’s legacy,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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