Category: South Africa Government

For many South Africans, the Department of Social Development is synonymous with the monthly payment of social grants. But newly appointed Social Development Minister Dina Pule wants to change that perception.

Pule said while social grants remain a vital safety net for millions of vulnerable South Africans, the department’s work extends far beyond financial assistance.

The department, she said, is committed to helping beneficiaries become self-reliant through skills development, enterprise support, child protection and a range of social welfare programmes designed to restore dignity and create opportunities.

Pule explained that the department’s mandate is implemented through entities such as the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), which administers social grants, and the National Development Agency (NDA), which focuses on community development and economic empowerment.

“People believe we are only a welfare department, and that is all we do on a daily basis. But we also have the National Development Agency, which works with communities that are facing serious challenges,” Pule said in an exclusive interview with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on Tuesday

According to Pule, while SASSA provides much-needed financial support, the NDA works with grant beneficiaries to help them establish sustainable livelihoods.

“The temptation is that every month people receive the money, spend it and wait for the next payment. The National Development Agency comes in to teach people how to save, work together and establish businesses that can generate additional income,” she said.

Turning grants into businesses

Pule believes social grants should serve as a stepping stone rather than a permanent source of income for those who are able to become economically active.

“We want to help some people move beyond depending on grants so that they can become self-sufficient, while creating space for others who need support,” she said.

She pointed to several success stories that demonstrate how government support, combined with community initiative, can transform lives.

Among them is a group of young people in Sebokeng who established a bakery after receiving assistance through the NDA.

“They are now baking bread and supplying local shops. It is possible, and we want to encourage others to follow the same path,” Pule said.

The Minister said similar projects have emerged across the country, ranging from poultry and vegetable farming in Limpopo to cattle farming and dairy production in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.

In the North West, beneficiaries have established a fishing enterprise, harvesting fish from a local dam and supplying surrounding communities.

“We want beneficiaries to know that they can do much more with the support they receive. When communities organise themselves into groups and develop viable projects, the National Development Agency provides assistance, and in many cases other funders also come on board when they see government investing in those initiatives,” the Minister said.

Committed to vulnerable communities

For Pule, supporting vulnerable South Africans is more than a policy responsibility; it is deeply personal.

Reflecting on her own upbringing, she said her childhood shaped the compassion she brings to the public service.

“I come from a family that was headed by a single parent, and I was raised by my grandfather. When I see government changing the lives of vulnerable people, I understand what that means because I know where I come from,” she said.

She said young people, in particular, hold a special place in her heart.

“Young people are very close to my heart. They remind me that we must continue doing everything we can so that no child grows up experiencing the hardships that many others have faced.”

Protecting children through adoption

Pule encouraged South Africans who are willing and able to provide loving homes for children to consider adoption.

She said the department remains committed to protecting children and supporting prospective adoptive parents throughout the process.

“Our first responsibility is always to ensure that every child is protected,” she said.

She encouraged individuals and families interested in adoption to approach the department for guidance.

“We encourage people who would like to adopt, or who are already in the process, to contact the department. We will provide advice, counselling and the necessary support so that they understand the process and are equipped to provide children with safe, loving and supportive homes.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Newly appointed Minister of Social Development Dina Pule has assured the millions of vulnerable South Africans who are dependent on social grants that their monthly payments will continue uninterrupted.

In an exclusive interview with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on Tuesday, Pule outlined plans to strengthen the department’s systems, tackle substance abuse and intensify efforts to protect children from trafficking and exploitation.

She stressed that grant beneficiaries should not be concerned about the transition from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) gold card to the Postbank black card, saying the change will not affect grant payments.

“I want to assure the people of South Africa, especially South African Social Security Agency beneficiaries, that they must not worry. They will receive their grants on time. All they need to do is change from the gold card to the black card, but this will never affect their grants,” Pule said.

She said the Department of Social Development, SASSA, Postbank and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies were working together to address operational matters relating to the migration process.

According to Pule, grant payments will continue to be deposited directly into beneficiaries’ chosen bank accounts, including Postbank and commercial banks.

“Beneficiaries should remain calm. Their grants will continue to be paid into their accounts every month, and they can withdraw their money using their bank cards at participating outlets,” she said.

Pule said the new payment system would reduce logistical challenges previously associated with transporting cash to payment points, making the grant payment process more efficient and reliable.

She added that government is also introducing biometric verification measures to strengthen the integrity of the social grant payment system.

Strengthening the department

Looking ahead to her first 100 days in office, Pule said her focus would be on implementing the department’s approved strategic plan, strengthening internal systems and ensuring that the right people are appointed to key positions.

She noted that the department manages an annual budget of about R300 billion and provides social assistance to approximately 28 million South Africans through various grant programmes.

“The department exists to improve the lives of people who are in need. Our responsibility is to ensure that we improve the lives of vulnerable South Africans and provide them with the support they require,” she said.

Drawing on her previous experience in provincial and national government, Pule said integrity, accountability, teamwork and open communication would underpin her leadership approach.

“We are dealing with people, public funds and vulnerable communities. That requires integrity, accountability and mutual respect. Communication is equally important because it allows us to respond to the concerns of the public and resolve challenges as quickly as possible,” she said.

Tackling substance abuse

Substance abuse is one of the department’s major priorities, particularly among young people.

The Minister said the department co-chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Substance Abuse together with the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, working alongside departments, including Health, Justice and Constitutional Development, Police, and Trade, Industry and Competition.

The department, she said, continues to roll out prevention programmes targeting young people, including skills development initiatives and awareness campaigns aimed at discouraging substance abuse.

Pule said specialised programmes are also available for pregnant women affected by substance abuse, while rehabilitation centres across the provinces continue to provide treatment, counselling and reintegration support.

She added that survivors of gender-based violence are supported through facilities that provide protection and rehabilitation services.

Protecting children from trafficking

Protecting children from trafficking, unlawful removal and other forms of exploitation also remain a key priority for the department, Pule said.

She explained that the department works closely with the Border Management Authority (BMA) to identify children travelling unaccompanied or under suspicious circumstances.

“When children are travelling without their parents or guardians, investigations are immediately initiated to establish the circumstances. Where necessary, social workers are deployed to intervene and ensure that children are protected,” she said.

Pule said the department has a dedicated directorate responsible for child protection, with social workers conducting investigations and intervening whenever children are identified as being at risk of trafficking or exploitation.

She reaffirmed the department’s commitment to strengthening social protection programmes and ensuring that the country’s most vulnerable citizens continue to receive the support and protection they need. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Newly appointed Minister of Social Development Dina Pule says she will not “take lightly” the responsibility entrusted to her by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

In an exclusive interview with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Pule described her appointment as both an honour and an opportunity to serve South Africa’s most vulnerable with humility and integrity.

She expressed her appreciation to President Ramaphosa for appointing her as Minister of Social Development, and for the confidence he has shown in her since her return to public office.

“I am grateful to the President for the honour and the trust he has placed in me through this appointment. I also appreciate the support I have received since my return to public life after being elected as a Member of Parliament in 2024 elections,” Pule said.

Pule expressed appreciation for the support she has received since returning to public life after being elected as a Member of Parliament in the 2024 General Elections. She said serving as Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Agriculture had reaffirmed her commitment to public service.

“The trust and responsibility given to me as Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture has reaffirmed my commitment to the public service. I do not receive this trust lightly. I receive it with humility, gratitude, and a sober awareness of the weight of responsibility that it carries,” the Minister said.

Pule said that during her years away from public office, she worked on rebuilding trust, strengthening relationships and reflecting on the values required of public representatives.

“Away from the limelight, I have worked to restore much of what I broke: relationships, trust and, above all, my own understanding of what it means to serve.”

Pule said she recognised that being given another opportunity to serve carries significant responsibility, particularly as government seeks to strengthen ethical leadership and rebuild public confidence.

“I do not take this second chance lightly. I know that it carries a price at the very moment when government is renewing its values, and the trust of the people.”

Turning to her new portfolio, Pule said her priority would be to serve those who depend most on government support, including children, older persons and vulnerable households.

“To the people of South Africa, whom I now have the privilege to serve, [including] the poorest and the most vulnerable; the child who depend on a grant; the grandmother who holds a household together; the young person searching for dignity and work, I took an oath of office and will uphold it.”

She said her work as Minister would be guided by the Constitution and a commitment to ethical governance.

“I will be guided to the fullest by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which is the supreme law of our land and the compass of all who are called to serve within it.”

Pule described her appointment as an opportunity to demonstrate through action that trust can be rebuilt.

“This appointment, for me, is not a return to comfort. It is a restoration of hope – hope that ours is a nation generous enough to allow redemption and demanding enough to insist that it be earned. I intend to earn it, every single day, through my work and through my conduct,” Pule said. 

She concluded by thanking President Ramaphosa, and South Africans for what she described as a second chance to serve.

“I thank the President, and I thank the people of South Africa for the grace of a second chance, which I shall honour with everything that I have.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Seiso Mohai, says developing nations cannot achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development alone, even as South Africa continues its work to eradicate poverty, fight inequality and protect the planet.

Mohai was speaking during the General Debate of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development in New York on Tuesday.

He told the international community that South Africa continues to strengthen efforts to reduce poverty, inequality and unemployment, while promoting sustainable industrialisation, climate resilience, food security, energy transition and social protection.

“South Africa remains committed to ensuring that no one is left behind, particularly women, youth, persons with disabilities, rural communities, and other vulnerable groups.

“We also continue to strengthen partnerships with civil society, the private sector, academia, development partners, and international organisations to support inclusive and sustainable development outcomes,” Mohai said.

Despite a challenging global and domestic environment, Mohai said South Africa has made progress in several areas.

“Access to electricity, safe drinking water, sanitation, digital connectivity, and social protection services has improved over the years. Investments in renewable energy and sustainable industrialisation are contributing to a more resilient and inclusive economy. 

“The expansion of broadband infrastructure and digital access is creating new opportunities for innovation, education, and economic participation. At the same time, we acknowledge that significant challenges remain,” he said.

As the SDGs require stronger implementation, partnerships and financing, South Africa continues to prioritise infrastructure investment and maintenance, energy transition initiatives, industrial development, youth employment, skills development and climate resilience.

Mohai stressed that developing countries cannot achieve the SDGs alone.

“The international community must honour commitments related to financing for development, technology transfer, capacity building, debt sustainability, and reform of the global financial architecture. There is an urgent need for scaled-up concessional financing and equitable access to climate finance to support sustainable development priorities in the Global South.

“As we move closer to 2030, we must accelerate implementation through bold leadership, policy coherence, innovation, and strengthened partnerships. 

“South Africa reaffirms the importance of solidarity, inclusive growth, and sustainable development that leaves no one behind,” Mohai said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Seiso Mohai, today reaffirmed South Africa’s unwavering commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Mohai was addressing the General Debate of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The Deputy Minister called for renewed global solidarity and decisive action to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals with only four years remaining before the 2030 deadline.

He emphasised that South Africa’s development agenda remains firmly anchored in the principles of inclusivity, equality, human dignity and sustainable economic transformation.

He highlighted that the Sustainable Development Goals are fully integrated into the implementation of South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030 and the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP).

“South Africa remains committed to ensuring that no one is left behind, particularly women, youth, persons with disabilities, rural communities and other vulnerable groups,” said Mohai.

The Deputy Minister noted that South Africa continues to strengthen partnerships with civil society, the private sector, academia, development partners and international organisations to advance inclusive and sustainable development.

While acknowledging the country’s progress in expanding access to electricity, safe drinking water, sanitation, digital connectivity and social protection, the Deputy Minister recognised that significant development challenges remain.

He further stressed that stronger implementation, enhanced partnerships and sustainable financing are essential to achieving the SDGs.

He called on the international community to honour commitments on development financing, technology transfer, capacity building, debt sustainability and reform of the global financial architecture, particularly to support developing countries.

Deputy Minister Mohai also congratulated Member States presenting their Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) at this year’s Forum and confirmed that South Africa looks forward to presenting its next VNR in 2027, providing an opportunity to reflect on progress, lessons learnt and actions to accelerate implementation of the SDGs.

Concluding his address, the Deputy Minister reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to solidarity, inclusive economic growth and sustainable development, while paying tribute to the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela, whose values continue to inspire efforts towards a more just, peaceful and equitable world. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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South Africa and Namibia have been urged to accelerate cooperation in the energy and mining sectors to unlock the economic potential of recent oil and gas discoveries and deepen regional integration.

Delivering opening remarks at the Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Fourth Session of the South Africa–Namibia Bi-National Commission in Pretoria on Tuesday, South African Co-Chair Ambassador Tebogo Seokolo said the two countries must place greater emphasis on strengthening the economic dimension of their bilateral relationship.

“Our principals have made clear the need for greater emphasis on strengthening the economic dimension of our bilateral relations. In this regard, our deliberations should seek to identify a focused set of high-impact priority projects capable of advancing trade, investment, industrial development and shared prosperity,” Seokolo said.

The meeting brings together senior officials from both countries to assess progress made since the Third Session of the Bi-National Commission, held in Namibia in October 2023, and prepare for the fourth session.

Seokolo said the meeting follows a successful Midterm Review held in South Africa in November 2025, which confirmed that while considerable progress had been made in implementing bilateral commitments, more work was needed.

“We must therefore use this meeting to build on the progress achieved, address areas where implementation has been slower than anticipated, and inject greater momentum into our bilateral programme of cooperation,” he said.

He said officials are also expected to identify new and emerging areas of cooperation that could further strengthen the partnership between the two neighbouring countries.

Among the priority areas is cooperation in mineral, petroleum and gas resources, with Seokolo highlighting the vast economic potential of the Orange Basin, which stretches offshore between South Africa and Namibia.

He congratulated Namibia on its recent oil and gas discoveries, noting the country’s exceptional exploration success.

“We congratulate Namibia for its recent oil and gas discoveries. We understand that the exploration of Namibian Orange Basin is among the highest ever recorded in a deepwater frontier basin,” he said.

According to Seokolo, 15 of the 17 wells drilled in Namibia’s Orange Basin between February 2022 and mid-2026 resulted in commercial discoveries, representing a success rate of approximately 88%.

He said the geological formations associated with Namibia’s discoveries extend into South African waters, presenting an opportunity for the two countries to establish a regional energy corridor.

Seokolo also highlighted opportunities for collaboration in the mining sector, noting that the two countries share significant deposits of critical minerals, including rare earth minerals, uranium, copper, lithium, graphite and manganese.

He said finalising a memorandum of understanding on geology and mining would provide a framework for technical cooperation, data sharing and investment promotion.

Seokolo called for accelerated efforts to maximise the potential of the Trans-Kalahari Corridor as a strategic trade and transport route that would improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of goods and services, and expand intra-regional trade.

He said he was confident that the discussions would lay the foundation for a successful Fourth Session of the South Africa–Namibia Bi-National Commission and an even stronger partnership between the two countries. – SAnews.gov.za

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Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has pledged to work with the Nazareth Baptist Church and built-environment stakeholders to strengthen construction practices, improve building safety and help prevent future building collapses following Monday’s wall collapse at the church’s Inanda complex in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Minister made the commitment during a visit to the site on Tuesday, where he also extended his sympathies to those injured in the incident.

Twelve people were injured when a wall at the Nazareth Baptist Church complex collapsed on Monday afternoon. Four of the injured remain in hospital.

Following a meeting with church elders, Macpherson said the church had welcomed a further investigation by the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) into the circumstances surrounding the collapse before construction resumes at the site.

He added that the engagement formed part of ongoing stakeholder consultations on the recently announced Integrated Social Facilitation Framework, which aims to prevent future building collapses in South Africa.

“Having visited the site of the collapse today, I share the belief of the Shembe Church that it is by the grace of God that no lives were lost when the wall collapsed. I am sincerely grateful to the church for welcoming me to the complex this morning.

“I extend my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to those injured in the collapse and will visit them in hospital personally to wish them well in their recovery,” Macpherson said.

The Minister said he had also committed to working with the church, through the Council for the Built Environment, to improve construction practices at the complex and help prevent similar incidents in future.

“This morning, I also committed to the church elders that we would work with the church, through the Council for the Built Environment, to strengthen building practices, prevent future collapses and ensure the safety of buildings at the church and across the country.

“As the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, we are committed to working with all stakeholders to prevent building collapses and improve regulations to ensure that we protect the lives of all South Africans. By working together, we can build a better South Africa,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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By Mava Scott

The fight against corruption remains one of the major priorities of the Seventh Administration. Law enforcement agencies are acting swiftly to arrest, suspend or otherwise hold accountable those suspected of involvement in corruption. This commitment is re-enforced through a range of measures, including the ongoing judicial commission to investigate serious allegations of corruption, criminality and the infiltration of law enforcement agencies.

The Commission, now commonly known as the Madlanga Commission, began public hearings on 17 September 2025 and has since submitted two interim reports to President Cyril Ramaphosa. The revelations emerging from the Commission show that corruption remains one of the greatest challenges facing the country and a serious threat to building a South Africa that works for everyone. Corruption undermines the rule of law and has the potential to reverse the gains being made to build a capable, ethical and developmental state as well as to efficiently use limited public resources to improve people’s lives.

These revelations would not have been possible without the courage of active citizens who chose to report acts of corruption and abuse of power. Their actions remind us that the fight against corruption cannot be left to government alone.

The recommendations and referrals of the Madlanga Commission are being implemented through the SAPS Special Task Team which has already produced tangible results. Working with the National Prosecuting Authority, the Task Team is holding accountable those against whom there is prima facie evidence of wrongdoing.

To date, 16 people, including 12 senior police officials and a company director linked to a health and wellness services tender, have been arrested. In addition, 18 senior SAPS officials, including members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, have either been suspended or served with notices of suspension. Some officials, including Brigadier Rachel Matjeng and Major General Richard Shibiri, have been dismissed.

The State Security Agency has also been tasked with carrying out security screening and lifestyle reviews across the South African Police Service (SAPS), with particular focus on senior officials in the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, Crime Intelligence, Forensic Services and Supply Chain Management.

These swift and decisive actions show that government is committed to holding those involved in corruption accountable and that no one is above the law. The arrests, suspensions and dismissals also strengthen efforts to rebuild, protect and restore confidence in the criminal justice system, which is essential to the proper functioning of South Africa’s constitutional democracy.

Government’s commitment to fighting corruption and strengthening accountability is also reflected in the continued implementation of the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, popularly known as the State Capture Commission. 

In March this year, former Member of Parliament Vincent Smith was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment on charges including fraud and corruption linked to state capture. His conviction was the sixth State Capture-related case to be concluded with a guilty verdict, while several other high-profile matters are scheduled for trial, including cases related to the Free State asbestos removal project, SA Express and Transnet contracts.

Further progress has been recorded through the recovery of more than R17.1 billion in assets gained from criminal activities, while 62% of the 60 recommended actions from the State Capture Commission have been addressed. These decisive actions demonstrate that the fight against corruption extends beyond investigations and prosecutions; it also includes recovering stolen public resources.

This anti-corruption drive has also extended to other areas of government. In January 2026, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, arrested the Director-General and two other senior officials from the National Department of Health in connection with allegations involving more than R1 million in unauthorised expenditure during the 2023–2024 financial year.

Similarly, the Border Management Authority dismissed more than 50 immigration officials implicated in corrupt activities in March this year.

These actions demonstrate that while progress is being made in addressing corruption, the fight requires sustained vigilance and continuous strengthening of interventions across all spheres of government.

Rooting out corruption requires more than responding to wrongdoing after it occurs; it requires stronger prevention measures, improved oversight, ethical leadership and systems that detect and address vulnerabilities before they are exploited. Government will continue to strengthen accountability mechanisms, enhance institutional integrity and work with all sectors of society to ensure that public resources are protected and used for their intended purpose.

All South Africans have a role to play in blowing the whistle on corruption. We encourage anyone who is aware of wrongdoing to report it to the National Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 701 701.

*Scott is Chief Director at Government Communication and Information System: Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster

 

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Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts has called on African leaders to develop a system to transform air quality information management and help improve the lives of millions of Africans who continue to breathe air that does not meet internationally recognised health standards.

“For Africa, clean air is not simply an environmental issue. It is a development imperative. It is about protecting human health, improving educational outcomes, strengthening economic productivity and ensuring environmental justice for present and future generations,” Swarts said on Tuesday in Pretoria.

Across Africa, rapid urbanisation, industrialisation, expanding transport systems, increasing energy demand, agricultural burning, mining activities and waste burning are placing unprecedented pressure on air quality. 

“Africa’s air pollution challenges do not respect national borders. Transboundary pollution, dust transport, wildfires and regional economic activities require coordinated continental responses,” Swarts said.

The Deputy Minister challenged leaders to consider an African Air Quality Information System to promote capacity building, foster collaboration between national environmental authorities, and provide citizens with accessible air quality information.

“Air pollution is no longer simply an environmental issue. It is a public health emergency, a development challenge, a climate issue and a matter of environmental justice. Poor air quality threatens investment, tourism, food security and sustainable development for developing economies.

“The consequences are visible in rising respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, lost productivity, increased healthcare costs and the disproportionate impact on women, children, the elderly and vulnerable communities,” the Deputy Minister said.

Swarts was addressing Africa’s leading voices in air quality management, environmental governance, public health, science and policy at the Africa Clean Air Forum.

“As countries strengthen their air quality monitoring networks, there is an increasing need for integrated digital platforms that can collect, analyse, visualise, and disseminate air quality data in a timely and accessible manner,” Swarts said.

The Deputy Minister pointed out that innovation in air quality information management is becoming a critical enabler of improved environmental governance, public health protection and evidence-based decision-making across Africa.

“As governments, we must work together to harmonise policy approaches where appropriate, strengthen monitoring networks, improve emissions inventories, mobilise resources and share technical expertise. 

“Regional cooperation can significantly improve our collective ability to understand pollution sources, forecast air quality and implement effective interventions.” 

Swarts stressed that the success of Africa’s clean air agenda will ultimately depend on the continent’s willingness to move beyond commitments and towards implementation.

The Deputy Minister said implementation will require strong political leadership; sustainable financing; effective institutions; scientific collaboration; regional cooperation; community participation; and shared accountability.

“At a regional level, the Southern African Development Community has an opportunity to build stronger regional systems for air quality governance through harmonised policies, joint monitoring initiatives, shared technical expertise, capacity building and coordinated responses to transboundary air pollution,” Swarts said.

She emphasised that resource mobilisation is a critical enabler of collaborative air quality programmes across Africa, where many countries face common transboundary air pollution challenges but have varying levels of technical, institutional and financial capacity.

“Together, we can create cities where children breathe clean air, communities where economic development does not come at the expense of public health, industries that embrace cleaner technologies, governments that work collaboratively across borders, and an Africa where environmental sustainability becomes a catalyst for inclusive growth and shared prosperity,” Swarts said. – SAnews.gov.za

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