Category: South Africa Government

President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the late Hosi Dr Phylia Tinyiko Lwandlamuni N’wamitwa II as a trailblazer who transformed customary law and advanced the rights of women, saying her life was a triumph of courage over patriarchy.

Delivering the eulogy at her Special Provincial Official Funeral at the Valoyi Cultural Village in Tzaneen, Limpopo, on Sunday, the President said the VaTsonga nation had lost a mother.

“It is with great sorrow that we today bid farewell to a leader, a pioneer and a great daughter of the soil.

“The VaTsonga nation has lost a mother. Those who have experienced the pain of losing a mother will attest that it is one of the deepest wounds,” he said. 

On behalf of government and the people of South Africa, President Ramaphosa extended condolences to the N’wamitwa Royal House and the broader Valoyi community, noting that tributes had poured in since her passing on 9 February.

As the first female Hosi of the VaTsonga, N’wamitwa II made history in 2008 when she ascended to the throne following a landmark ruling by the Constitutional Court of South Africa. The court affirmed that the Valoyi Traditional Authority could adapt its customary succession rules to allow a woman to become Hosi. 

President Ramaphosa said her decision to challenge the male primogeniture principle took “great courage, resilience and strength of character”.

“She stood up to claim the rights guaranteed by our Constitution,” he said, adding that her victory signalled that customary law and constitutional rights are complementary, not in opposition. 

Born on 27 June 1940 to Hosi Fofoza N’wamitwa and Nkosikazi Favasi N’wa-Manave, Princess Tinyiko Lwandlamuni Phylia N’wamitwa grew up at a time when girls were discouraged from pursuing education and barred from traditional leadership.

Yet her father ensured she attended school, first at Nwamitwa Primary and later at Shilubana Junior Secondary School under the care of Swiss missionaries. She went on to complete her teaching qualifications, a Bachelor of Arts degree and an Honours degree in anthropology.

Her career in education spanned decades. She served as a teacher, Home Economics Inspector, Education School Inspector, Circuit Manager and became the first woman appointed as Education Circuit Inspector in the former Gazankulu homeland.

Beyond education, she played an active role in the struggle for democracy. She participated in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) negotiations ahead of the 1994 elections and later served four terms as a Member of Parliament for the African National Congress from 1994 to 2009.

Most recently, President Ramaphosa appointed her to the Eminent Persons Group tasked with guiding the National Dialogue.

“She was a traditionalist and a champion of gender equality. She respected and upheld cultural practices and traditions but did not hesitate to speak out if these violated the rights of others,” the President said. 

Throughout her reign, N’wamitwa II was a vocal advocate for rural women, insisting on equal treatment in traditional courts and speaking out against gender-based violence.

She mobilised partnerships to support vulnerable families, including securing food assistance from Tiger Brands for hundreds of households over nearly a decade, and engaging British singer Elton John to assist in establishing a youth centre in Nwamitwa.

President Ramaphosa said her leadership embodied the spirit of the women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956, declaring that tradition must never be used to justify the oppression of women.

“To honour her memory, I call on all organs of State, the institutions of traditional leadership and all communities to declare that never again will culture and tradition be used as an excuse for the oppression, exclusion and subjugation of women,” he said.

Hosi N’wamitwa II is survived by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

She leaves behind a legacy of pioneering leadership, courageous advocacy and selfless service under the guiding principle, ‘vukosi i vutirheri’ – royalty is service.

“Let us who remain behind pick up the spear that has fallen. Let us ensure that in the onward march towards full gender equality in South Africa, we leave no one behind – even in the most rural and remote community,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has described the arrival of the first batch of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines as a victory for the country’s agricultural sector and a major step towards reopening global red meat markets.

Steenhuisen officially received the first shipment of one million high-potency FMD vaccine doses at OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday.

“This is a victory for everybody in South Africa who wants to see agriculture playing an even more important role than it currently does in terms of the economy,” the Minister said.

He noted that agricultural exports were up 7% quarter-on-quarter and 10% year-on-year, underscoring the sector’s growing contribution to economic growth and job creation.

“Agriculture provides an opportunity for us to employ more people, but also to grow our economy. And as we’ve seen with our fruit exports, the real value in that lies in being able to get our excellent products around the world. 

“This small vial will be the beginning of us getting our red meat into markets around the world, and I’m very excited about that,” he said.

The vaccines, sourced from Argentine pharmaceutical company Biogénesis Bagó, are seen as a critical tool in South Africa’s fight against recurring FMD outbreaks, which have severely affected the red meat industry and led to the closure of key export markets.

For years, South Africa has grappled with FMD outbreaks that have restricted exports and placed strain on farmers. The Minister said the new vaccines will allow the country to move from reacting to outbreaks to proactively managing and ultimately eradicating the disease.

“These vaccines will give us an opportunity to get ahead of it. For far too long, far too many important markets have been closed to us because of our FMD status. This begins the pathway towards prosperity, opportunity and expansion and inclusion for many, many more people in the red meat sector in South Africa,” he said. 

The shipment forms part of the Department of Agriculture’s new 10-Year Eradication Strategy aimed at securing “FMD-free status with vaccination” a critical requirement for regaining access to lucrative global markets.

The one million doses received mark the first phase of a broader rollout, with an additional five million doses expected to arrive in March. 

South Africa has a national herd of over 14 million cattle, and government aims to vaccinate at least 80% by December.

“This is the first million batch. Now this is nowhere near as much as we need to be able to vaccinate 80% of the national herd by December, but there’s more on the way from Argentina and, of course, from other suppliers around the world,” Steenhuisen said.

He thanked the Argentinian government and industry partners for their support in reaching what he described as a milestone moment, highlighting collaboration between the state and private sector.

“At every sector and every step of the way, we have brought the private sector industry players and organisations along with us,” he said.

Steenhuisen also acknowledged the work of Department of Agriculture officials, including Director-General Mooketsa Ramasodi and senior veterinary and biosecurity experts including Dr Emily Mogajane and Dr Botlhe Modisane for their scientific and technical contributions. 

Addressing farmers directly, the Minister said government understands the hardship many have endured due to recent outbreaks.

“To the farmers of South Africa, I want to say very clearly that help is on the way. We know that many of you have suffered tremendously over the last weeks and months, but we now have the tools that we need.”

The Minister expressed confidence that the vaccination programme will not only help curb the current outbreak but firmly place the country on a new trajectory for the red meat sector. – SAnews.gov.za 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa’s strategic autonomy and commitment to peace, saying the country will continue to assert its sovereignty amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Delivering the keynote address at Armed Forces Day at Thavhani Mall in Thohoyandou, Limpopo on Saturday, the President said members of the SANDF serve in an era of great geopolitical tension. 

“South Africa remains steadfast in our policy of non-alignment. We refuse to be drawn into the spheres of influence of competing global powers. We assert our strategic autonomy and sovereignty. And we conduct all our operations under strict civilian oversight and in absolute adherence to international humanitarian law,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa emphasised that the nation is called upon to adapt to new realities. 

“There has been a shift on the battlefield from traditional weaponry to high-tech autonomous and unmanned systems such as drones, digital warfare and the use of artificial intelligence. These changes require a SANDF that is responsive, relevant and agile,” he said. 

As Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), President Ramaphosa told dignitaries, military leadership and members on parade, that he was honoured to address the Armed Forces Day.  

“We are gathered here in the Vhembe District to honour our men and women in uniform, the patriotic soldiers, sailors and airmen and airwomen who for 32 years have stood in defence of our democracy.

“Our armed forces reflect the diversity of the South African nation, a people of different identities and varied origins, united in our shared nationhood and common purpose. We are united in advancing the values of our democratic Constitution and in safeguarding the fundamental rights of our country’s people,” the President said. 

Paying homage to the legacy of those who came before, President Ramaphosa said the nation’s soldiers carry forward the courage and sacrifice of past generations.

“You are the shield that ensures our people know lasting peace, security and stability. You stand on the shoulders of giants: great warriors like King Makhado, the Lion of the North, and King Thohoyandou, whose leadership shaped our destiny, and of the soldiers who refused to betray the cause of freedom at the Battle of Mutale River. Their legacy is mirrored in the resolve of the modern SANDF,” he said. 

Armed Forces Day is commemorated annually in remembrance of the 616 members of the Native Labour Corps who perished when the SS Mendi sank on 21 February 1917 during the First World War.

“It is recorded that they met their end not with cries of fear, but with a death dance of defiance and unity. The tragedy of SS Mendi reminds us of the importance of unity and solidarity, that despite great peril, those brave soldiers stood together as they faced their fate. Their courage and spirit continue to inspire us today,” the President said.

He paid tribute to fallen soldiers and expressed condolences to their families, saying that Armed Forces Day honours all the soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving the Republic outside of its borders and in internal operations. 

“This day is a tribute to the courage of those who wear uniform, and we bow our heads in memory of those who never returned from the horizon. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and comrades of those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said. 

The President also acknowledged the SANDF’s role in disaster response following heavy rains and flooding in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and neighbouring Mozambique.

“The SANDF brought its expertise to assist in the relief efforts, working together with local and provincial authorities: deploying engineers to support disaster management, repair roads and bridges, purify water and erect temporary structures for those affected. This recovery effort extended to our neighbouring country, Mozambique, where the SANDF rescued citizens from raging floodwaters,” he said.

During the Armed Forces Day programme, the South African Military Health Service rolled out Project Owethu, providing medical care, mental health services, ophthalmology, oral health and orthopaedic care in Sekhukhune, Waterberg and Vhembe districts. More than 85 cataract procedures were conducted at Elim Hospital over the past week.

Turning to public resources, the President said the country’s military was having to adapt at a time when public resources were constrained. 

“Given the critical importance of the SANDF to our security, sovereignty and development, additional resources have been allocated from the budget.

“This is a targeted intervention to close funding gaps, improve efficiencies and ensure our operational ambitions are matched by our resources,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa further announced a phased withdrawal of South African troops from the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

“Having assessed our current priorities, I have decided to draw down our participation as a troop-contributing nation in the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, known as MONUSCO. 

“This will be done in a phased and well-orchestrated manner to ensure the safe return of our troops and their equipment. As we withdraw, we pledge our continued support to continental peace and security initiatives under the UN, the African Union and SADC,” he said.

On the domestic front, the President confirmed he had authorised the deployment of SANDF elements to support the South African Police Service in tackling crime.

“I have authorised the deployment of SANDF elements to support the South African Police Service in a targeted offensive against brazen criminality, illegal mining and ruthless gangs. 

“From the Cape Flats to Gauteng, our message is clear: the rule of law will be enforced and the safety of our citizens will be secured. This deployment is a shield for the vulnerable, so that a child in Nyanga, Eldorado Park or New Brighton can walk to school without the shadow of a bullet haunting their steps,” he said.

The President called on young people to consider careers in the defence force. 

“To the young people present here today and watching across the country, I invite you to see the SANDF as a career and as a calling.  

“We need your capabilities in engineering, medicine, technology, strategy and many other disciplines. Join the SANDF for the love of your country. By serving your people, you build your own future and you contribute to a better nation,” President Ramaphosa said.

The Armed Forces Day commemoration featured a wreath-laying ceremony, a fly-past by the South African Air Force and live military capability demonstrations aimed at deepening public understanding of the SANDF’s role in safeguarding the nation.

The President stood in salute as various divisions of the SANDF paraded past, observing military vehicles, advanced weaponry and specialised units on display in a show of operational readiness.  – SAnews.gov.za 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Wandile Sihlobo as Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land, reinforcing government’s focus on accelerating growth and addressing structural challenges in the sector.

Sihlobo currently serves as Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) and is a member of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council. 

He is also a Senior Lecturer Extraordinary in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Stellenbosch University and has published extensively on agricultural policy, land reform and food security.

With more than a decade of experience spanning the agricultural sector and academia, Sihlobo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from University of Fort Hare and a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from Stellenbosch University.

“President Ramaphosa has appointed Mr Sihlobo as an envoy in view of the importance of agriculture in South Africa’s economic growth path, recurrent challenges in the sector and growth opportunities domestically and abroad.

“In this role, Mr Sihlobo will support The Presidency’s priorities and objectives on agriculture, rural development, land reform and international trade. He will work closely with the responsible departments, in pursuit of The Presidency’s priorities,” The Presidency said in a statement on Saturday. 

The Presidency said the envoy will also work closely with various state-owned entities, such as the Agricultural Research Council, Land Bank, and Onderstepoort Biological Products, as necessary, in support of agricultural development and growth opportunities.

In addition, he will engage other stakeholders from time to time, including the private sector, to unlock progress and realise tangible gains. 

“The ultimate goal of this work is to advance The Presidency’s priorities for overcoming constraints to agricultural growth and boosting competitiveness, inclusion, and the sector’s export profile,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

As South Africa prepares for next week’s Budget Speech, President Cyril Ramaphosa has signalled a shift in the national narrative – from one of recovery to one of guarded optimism.

Delivering his remarks during the debate of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, 19 February 2026, the President noted the importance of a growing economy.

“[We] know that what will make the greatest difference in people’s lives are jobs and other livelihood opportunities. What will make the greatest difference is accelerated economic growth. A growing economy means expanding opportunity and it means hope. 

“We have not experienced the excitement and the promise of rapid growth for almost 20 years, but we are on the cusp of achieving it now. We are focused on rebuilding the economy and driving investment.

“We should not underestimate the scale of the task ahead nor diminish the progress we have made,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President acknowledged that while progress is modest, the “momentum of change is building”.

Among the other positive indicators, South Africa’s economy has shown marginal yet positive growth over the past four quarters – expanding by 0.6% in Q4 2024, followed by 0.1% in Q1 2025, 0.8% in Q2 2025, and 0.5% in Q3 2025.

Inflation rates have also been steady, standing between 3.5% and 3.6% since October last year.

“Our task now is to sustain this momentum, to protect and build on the progress we have made, and to ensure that it results in a tangible improvement in the life of every South African. Improved economic indicators may seem distant and abstract, but they have a real impact on our lives.

“Lower borrowing costs for the state frees up resources for health and education, for the police and for better services. Reduced public debt enables the private sector to invest more of its capital in expanding production and jobs.

“A lower inflation rate reduces the cost of living, enabling families to pay for food and other basic needs. And a declining unemployment rate means an income for more families and hope for more young South Africans,” he said.

Removing impediments

The President told the gathering that government is determined to rebuild the economy and drive investment.

To do this, government is addressing several impediments, including load shedding, infrastructure and efficiency at the country’s ports.

“Severe load shedding was debilitating our economy, lowering production, raising costs and deterring investment. We have effectively ended load shedding.

“Overburdened infrastructure and inefficiency at our ports and on our rail lines have for years been reducing our competitiveness and harming our export industries. We are improving operational performance through investment, increased capacity and far-reaching reforms. 

“To respond to low levels of investment and policy uncertainty, we are strengthening policy formulation and reducing regulatory burdens,” he noted.

Additionally, poor governance, diminishing state capacity and corruption are being tackled by “focusing on the professionalisation of the public service, improved efficiency and the modernisation of our procurement system”.

Macroeconomic challenges

President Ramaphosa noted that a “challenging macroeconomic environment” has also proved a stumbling block for economic growth.

“[This] is why we have been reducing high debt service costs and supporting lower inflation and interest rates.

“Perhaps one of the most immediate impediments to faster economic growth is dysfunctionality in many municipalities. We are addressing this through an overhaul of our local government system through the review of the White Paper, and through direct interventions in municipalities in trouble.

“The transformation of our network industries is the platform on which rapid inclusive economic growth will be achieved,” he said.

Concurring voices

President Ramaphosa’s optimism for economic growth is not without merit.

Earlier this month, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) – following consultative meetings with government, the SA Reserve Bank, Eskom, Transnet, business, organised labour and academia amongst others – wrote that the South African economy is on the up.

The IMF acknowledged that South Africa’s economic growth has been hampered by “repeated global shocks and domestic challenges, including, more recently, increased protectionism, fragmentation and global trade policy uncertainty”.

Despite this, the economy has proven its resilience owing to “ample natural endowments, independent institutions, and strong monetary policy framework”.

“Growth is projected to accelerate to 1.4 percent in 2026, reaching 1.8 percent in the medium term, supported by resilient consumption and investment driven by structural reforms. Inflation is projected to reach the 3 percent target by end‑2027.

“Although fiscal deficits are moderating, they remain elevated, and public debt is therefore projected to continue rising over the medium term.

“Risks are tilted to the downside, mainly stemming from global fragmentation, trade tensions, and domestic reform fatigue, while upside risks include faster reform implementation and stronger global growth,” the IMF said in a statement.

The international financial institution noted that economic activity had “picked up in 2025, with growth estimated at 1.3 percent, supported by robust private consumption”.

“Inflation moderated to an average of 3.2 percent, enabling a shift to a lower 3 percent inflation target. The current account remained stable despite higher US tariffs and global policy uncertainty, and the banking sector remains sound. Public debt, however, has risen further, reaching 77 percent of GDP at end‑March 2025,” the IMF stated.

Furthermore, South Africa was removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list – adding weight to confidence going forward.

South Africa had been placed on the grey list in February 2023 due to, including, lax legal frameworks against money laundering and terrorist financing.

“South Africa’s removal from the FATF Grey List in October 2025…marks significant gains for the country, for business confidence and for investment.

“The FATF decision was the fruit of extensive collaboration between government departments and the financial sector to strengthen the country’s anti-money laundering regime,” National Treasury said last year.

About a month after removal from the grey list, South Africa received an S&P Global credit rating upgrade, strengthening from BB- to BB with a positive outlook.

“The upgrade reflects South Africa’s improving growth and fiscal trajectory, alongside the reduction in contingent liabilities largely tied to performance improvements at the state-owned electricity utility, Eskom.

“The government is on track to post its third annual primary surplus [revenue minus expenditure, excluding interest payments on debt] in fiscal 2025 [year ending March 31, 2026], while contingent liabilities are likely to ease as state-owned electricity utility, Eskom, is being reformed. Eskom has posted its first profit in eight years and is therefore likely to require less financial support going forward,” the institution said.

In response, Treasury welcomed the ratings bump – the first in more than 16 years.

“South Africa is one of just three countries globally to secure an S&P upgrade in 2025, while continuing to maintain a positive outlook after the rating revision.

“Government is improving the health of the public finances and accelerating infrastructure investments. Over the medium term this will strengthen growth prospects, reduce borrowing costs, improve confidence and foster faster job creation.

“Raising South Africa’s growth trajectory depends on continuing to strengthen macroeconomic stability, accelerating structural reforms, building a capable state and improving public-sector infrastructure investment,” the department said at the time.

Collaborative efforts

In the State of the Nation Address on 12 February 2026, President Ramaphosa set the tone for the coming year – stating that the country is “stronger today than we were a year ago”.

“Our economy is growing again, and this growth is gathering pace. While we have experienced four consecutive quarters of GDP growth, we know that it has to grow much faster to meet our social and economic challenges. 

“We have achieved two consecutive primary budget surpluses. Our credit rating has improved, interest rates are coming down and inflation is at its lowest level in twenty years.  We are on a clear path to stabilising our national debt. The rand has strengthened against the dollar,” he said.

Now, the President, in reply to the SONA, urges citizens, government and the private sector to work together to propel the country and the economy even further.

“We don’t all have the same role, but every role matters. Some people plan. Some people lift. Some people reinforce. Some people spot the leaks early and fix them before they become disasters.

“When we build like that – patiently, practically, together – we don’t just complete a project. We create a “neighbourhood”: a place where others can thrive because we chose to cooperate.

“So let’s build like beavers: with urgency, with unity and with the quiet determination to make something strong enough to hold – something that lasts and something that shelters more than just ourselves. Let us be the real builders of South Africa, working together,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today officiate the annual Armed Forces Day, which will be held in Limpopo.

He will officiate the commemoration in his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

“The President will commence the ceremony by laying a wreath at the Thohoyandou Memorial Site. He will then observe a multi-aircraft fly-past by the South African Air Force before delivering the keynote address.

“Armed Forces Day seeks to deepen public understanding of the role of the SANDF in the life of the nation and to demonstrate, through live military simulations, the capabilities of the Army, Navy, Air Force and the South African Military Health Service,” the Presidency said.

The day is observed in commemoration of the sinking of the SS Mendi on 21 February 1917.

“The sinking of the SS Mendi remains one of South Africa’s greatest tragedies of the First World War [1914–1918]. A total of 616 black South African troops lost their lives when the vessel sank en route to France,” the Presidency explained. – SAnews.gov.za

The National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola says the management of the South African Police Service (SAPS) remains steadfast in their commitment to stabilising and reducing serious and violent crime across the country.

“While numbers remain high, it is quite encouraging that we are noting a reduction in the number of murders, rape and sexual offences reported,” Masemola said.

He was speaking at the release of the 3^rd Quarterly Crime Statistics in Pretoria earlier today.

Over the past two years, the numbers of murders for the quarter three period (1 October to 31 December) have dropped by 17.6% or 1 359 fewer murders.

He said 1 906 suspects were arrested for murder; 1 725 suspects for attempted murder and 2 382 suspects for rape.

“This is indeed a clear demonstration that we are turning the tide, intentionally and aggressively by heightening police visibility and successfully implementing solution driven crime combatting strategies, with a view of ultimately dismantling organised crime syndicates,” he said.

Masemola said through targeted intelligence driven operations, they have also noted the 14 percent reduction in trio crimes which is carjacking, house and business robberies.

“While we are not out of the woods yet, these small victories and wins must serve as motivation to intensify our fight against crime,” he said.

With regard to the illegal firearms, the SAPS yesterday witnessed the destruction of 13 859 firearms that were confiscated during intelligence driven police operations which brings the total number of firearms destroyed over the past seven years to 305 934. 

“As we all know firearms remain a challenge in our communities as most violent crime including murders and robberies are used with the commission of firearms.

“Some of the firearms destroyed were linked to finalised criminal cases such as farm attacks, cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies and crimes against women and children. Others were voluntarily surrendered or handed in during firearm amnesty periods. By destroying these firearms, the men and women in blue prevent them from further circulation,” he said.

Masemola said on a weekly basis, the SAPS seizes no less than 100 illegal firearms during tracing operations, stop-and-searches and other targeted crime combating activities.

“Just last week, nationwide operations led to the recovery of 147 illegal firearms. The previous week was 142 illegal firearms and the week before that was another 119 illegal firearms,” he said.

Masemola pointed out that in an effort to ensure compliance of the Firearms Controls Act, the men and women in blue conducted compliance inspections at more than 3700 licensed firearm dealers and private security company premises across the country. 

“In one operation in Middleburg in the province of Mpumalanga, police seized 537 licensed firearms after the owner failed to comply accordingly.

“Legal firearm owners are reminded to urgently comply with the Firearms Control Act and ensure safe storage, authorisation and to account for each and every firearms that they own,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za