Category: South Africa Government

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of educator, diplomat and business leader, Dr Franklin Sonn.

In a statement on Saturday, the Presidency said Dr Sonn who passed away at the age of 86, contributed significantly to different sectors of society and the economy.

Sonn was an esteemed Member of the National Order of the Baobab and recipient of numerous international honours.

President Ramaphosa conveyed his condolences to Mrs Joan Sonn and children Crispin and Heather, as well the extended families and Dr Sonn’s associates nationally and internationally.

Dr Sonn, who served as the democratic South Africa’s first Ambassador to the United States, distinguished himself in leadership roles in education, politics, and business. 

He began his career as a teacher and became principal of Spes Bona High School in Athlone, Cape Town.
He was President of the Cape Teachers’ Professional Association before his appointment as Rector of the then Peninsula Technikon in Cape Town, a post he held until his diplomatic posting.

Dr Sonn was an anti-apartheid campaigner and pioneering champion of broad-based economic empowerment, who exercised his vision for a just South Africa as a board member in significant corporate businesses and as a co-founder of large black-owned enterprises.

“I join the Sonns and Franklin’s diverse friends and associates in mourning the loss of a leader whose life exemplified the essence of the Order of the Baobab. Franklin Sonn inspired the young lives entrusted to him in his early career as a teacher. He provided similar inspiration to the teachers he mobilised in the Cape Teachers’ Professional Association at a time when all sectors were mobilised against apartheid,” said President Ramaphosa.

He also remembered him as “an advocate and activist for the accelerated transformation of our country after the end of apartheid and the upliftment of historically marginalised communities.”

“He fought for equality and development in all his endeavours, which included philanthropic work alongside Joan Sonn. Together, they endowed Crispin and Heather with leadership abilities that have created an intergenerational legacy.

“Franklin Sonn played a great part in our history that lives on in our present and we owe him our commitment to keep building the society he envisioned. May his soul rest in peace,” said the President. –SAnews.gov.za

The country’s new Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Willem Abraham Stephanus Aucamp, and Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Alexandra Lilian Amelia Abrahams, will be sworn into office at a ceremony at the Union Buildings on Monday.

In an advisory on Sunday, the Presidency said the Swearing-in Ceremony of the newly appointed members of the National Executive will take place on Monday, 17 November 2025 at 9 am.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mr Willem Abraham Stephanus Aucamp as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, in accordance with section 91(3)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

“The President has also appointed Ms Alexandra Lilian Amelia Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, in accordance with section 93 (1) (a) of the Constitution,” said the Presidency. 

The President announced changes to the National Executive earlier this week.

READ | Changes to National Executive announced
–SAnews.gov.za

With just days to go to the G20 Leader’s Summit in Johannesburg, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, is set to brief the media the country’s state of readiness to host the historic summit.

“The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, is set to brief the media on South Africa’s state of readiness to host the historic G20 Leaders’ Summit, which is scheduled to take place on 22-23 November 2025 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec. 

“The G20 Leaders’ Summit will mark the culmination of South Africa’s presidency of the G20, having succeeded Brazil in this role,” said the department in an advisory on Friday.

Monday’s briefing will take place at the G20 Media Centre, Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, Hall 5.
The briefing will get underway at 11:30 am.

On Friday, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that the G20 Leaders’ Summit will proceed as planned, despite the absence of representation from the United States (US) government.

READ | G20 Leaders’ Summit ‘will go on’ despite absences – President Ramaphosa

The President was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the CEO-City Cleanup Partnership Programme held in Kliptown, Johannesburg, on Friday morning. –SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, and Deputy Minister, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, have directed the RTMC to investigate the cause of a truck and an Interstate Bus Train crash in the Free State.

Saturday’s accident claimed the lives of 10 people.

“Creecy and Hlengwa have directed the RTMC [Road Traffic Management Corporation] to investigate the cause of the crash working together with local authorities. The preliminary investigation report is expected in 48 hours once the RTMC begins its investigation,” the Department of Transport said in a statement.

The Minister and Deputy Minister have expressed serious concern with the persistent rise in the number of road fatalities due to crashes involving public transport modes. 

The crash took place approximately 5 km from Mandela View between Bloemfontein and Botshabelo. 

“The crash involved a total of 41 people, and it has been confirmed by emergency services that six persons suffered severe and critical injuries and were taken to Pelonomi Trauma Unit, while seven patients were transported to Botshabelo hospital and Busamed with moderate injuries. 

“This is in addition to twenty-four other people who sustained minor injuries and were transported to Botshabelo Hospital for further care. One of the affected persons chose not to be transported to hospital,” said the department.

Creecy and Hlengwa have also extended their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased during this challenging time while also wishing the injured a swift recovery.

“They have also urged all road users to be more cautious as we approach the festive season and its attendant risks including the risks that come with the rainfall season,” said the department. –SAnews.gov.za

E-hailing APP Providers working with e-hailing operators in Gauteng have been urged to legally register their applications in line with Section 66(A) of the National Land Transport Amendment Act, 2009 (Act No. 5 of 2009).

“[The Act] requires e-hailing platform providers to register their digital applications (Apps) with the National Department of Transport [NDoT] through the National Public Transport Regulator (NPTR) prior to engaging in any application for operating licensing processes at provincial level.

“This directive forms part of the department’s broader effort to implement the amended NLTA [National Land Transport Amendment Act] and new E-hailing regulations, but also to ensure alignment between national and provincial frameworks, and promote a safe, accessible, transparent, and compliant public transport environment across the province,” the Gauteng Roads and Transport Department explained.

In the statement on Sunday, MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela called on the operators to work with government.

“The growth of the e-hailing service in Gauteng has been significant, offering valuable mobility options and creating economic opportunities for thousands of operators. However, this growth must take place within a transparent and well-regulated environment that protects both operators and commuters.

“The current regulations provide an opportunity to realign the system with national legislation and ensure that all e-hailing platform providers and operators meet the required legal requirements and regulatory standards.

“We therefore call upon all the APP companies operating in Gauteng to work with us by submitting their registration and help us build an accountable, efficient, and lawful public transport system,” she said.
Register the digital applications by visiting the office of the National Department of Transport, located at 159 Struben Street, Forum Building, Pretoria.

“It is in the interest of all APP Providers and E-hailing to register and finalize all other legislated requirements including voluntary agreements to enable the GPRE to start receiving and deciding their applications for operating licenses. 

“GPRE [Gauteng Provincial Regulatory Entity] will convene meetings across the province to provide more details and ensure that APP Providers and E-hailing Operators fully understand what is required and are able to comply,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Gauteng Provincial Government is urging residents to remain vigilant and take precautions as rainy weather batters the province.

“The Gauteng Provincial Government urges all residents of the province to remain vigilant following the warning by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) of heavy rains that threaten life and property. 

“The SAWS has released a Level 9 weather warning for parts of the Gauteng province for 16 November 2025,” said the provincial government in a statement.

This, as SAWS announced an Orange Level 9 warning in a post on the social media platform X, on Saturday.

The warning speaks to a “medium likelihood of disruptive rainfall that may result in severe impacts of widespread flooding of roads, settlements, as well as danger to life due to fast flowing streams over Gauteng and extreme western parts of Mpumalanga.”

The warning came as the Gauteng Provincial Disaster Management Centre and all emergency services have activated all systems and contingency plans to save lives and avert disasters across the province.

“The predictions indicate that areas may experience heavy downpours and hail, coupled with severe thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible flooding in vulnerable areas. These conditions pose an increased risk of flood-related incidents, lightning strikes, and infrastructure damage, all of which can disrupt essential services and threaten communities if not proactively managed,” said the provincial government.

Residents have been urged to stay indoors.

“Communities are warned to stay indoors, if possible, to stay away from metal objects and to try as much as possible to delay travel arrangements.” 

In addition, the following precautions should be taken:
•    Avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams
•    Motorists are advised to use headlights, maintain low speeds and avoid flooded roads
•    If you are in a low-lying area and at risk of flooding, evacuate to higher ground
•    Keep away from power lines
•    Children should not play in puddles, open drains or ditches

Potential impacts of severe thunderstorms include:
•    Heavy downpours that may lead to localised flooding, especially in low-lying areas, flat plains and flood-prone roads.
•    Large amounts of small hail over open areas.
•    Damaging winds and excessive lightning, which may cause structural damage or fires.
•    Traffic disruptions due to flooded major roads.
•    Minor to major vehicle accidents resulting from poor visibility and slippery roads.
•    Damage to houses or structures, particularly roof damage in both formal and informal settlements.

Residents are encouraged to exercise caution and contact their respective municipal disaster management centres should they identify areas at risk of being flooded.

Earlier this week, the weather service advised that the central and eastern parts of South Africa are expected to experience widespread rainfall and severe thunderstorms, which both bring a risk of flooding, amongst others.

READ | Heavy rain with risk of flooding this weekend

This is due to an intense weather system, a cut-off low pressure affecting the country from Saturday through to Monday (15 – 17 November 2025). –SAnews.gov.za

The City of Tshwane (CoT) has called on residents living in low lying areas to immediately move to higher ground as heavy rain continues to fall over most parts of Gauteng.

In a statement, the CoT said its emergency Services Department received an impact-based warning from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) indicating a Level 9 alert for disruptive rain. 

“This severe weather is due to an intense cut-off low-pressure system is expected to take place between this Saturday midnight (15 November 2025) until Sunday midnight (16 November 2025). Cut-off low-pressure systems are known to produce widespread rainfall and severe thunderstorms, significantly increasing the risk of flooding, infrastructure damage, and other weather-related hazards. Rainfall accumulations of 100 – 150mm are predicted for City of Tshwane. 

“Residents in…flood-prone areas are strongly advised to immediately relocate temporarily to higher ground, as rapid water accumulation will lead to sudden and dangerous flooding,” the statement read.

Residents in the following areas should immediately move to higher ground: 
•    Low-lying areas,
•    Riverbanks,
•    Floodplains,
•    Wetlands are expected to experience the highest impact.
•    Motorists are also at high risk and should avoid driving during heavy downpours as several roads are expected to become flooded, creating life-threatening conditions.
•    Remain indoors and move to higher floors if in high rise buildings,
•    Flooded roads often result in vehicles being swept away, increased drowning incidents, and households becoming displaced. 

“The City of Tshwane has identified high-risk areas across all regions, and the Emergency Services Department will remain on high alert, continuously monitoring known flooding hotspots throughout the warning period. Response teams will be ready to intervene where necessary to safeguard lives and property. 

“Residents are encouraged to follow updates from the City of Tshwane and the South African Weather Service for timely alerts and safety information,” the statement continued.

Residents are urged to observe the following safety precautions: 
•    Avoid metal objects that conduct electricity, such as barbed-wire fences or power lines.
•    When outdoors, immediately move away from lakes, ponds or any large bodies of water during lightning activity.
•    Do not seek shelter under isolated trees or tall objects during thunderstorms.
•    Avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges or swollen streams.
•    If trapped in a vehicle during flooding, abandon the vehicle and move to higher ground. 

“Residents are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring short-term weather forecasts and any warnings or alerts issued by the South African Weather Service,” the statement said.

Report any flooding incidents to the Emergency Services Department toll free at 107 or 012 358 6300/6400.
The SAWS announced the Orange Level 9 warning in a post on the social media platform X, on Saturday.

READ | Call for vigilance as rains batter Gauteng

The warning speaks to a “medium likelihood of disruptive rainfall that may result in severe impacts of widespread flooding of roads, settlements, as well as danger to life due to fast flowing streams over Gauteng and extreme western parts of Mpumalanga.” – SAnews.gov.za