Category: South Africa Government

Posted on

SA well prepared to host G20 Leaders’ Summit in November

Source: Government of South Africa

SA well prepared to host G20 Leaders’ Summit in November

Cabinet has expressed its satisfaction with South Africa’s preparations for the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit, saying it is confident the country will host the event successfully.

Thousands of international delegates, media representatives, and visitors are expected to gather at the NASREC Expo Centre in Johannesburg for the two-day summit scheduled to take place from 22 – 23 November 2025. 

The event aims to showcase South Africa’s attractions to the world and promote long-term growth in the tourism sector.

Cabinet said South Africa’s G20 Presidency is already strengthening the country’s tourism sector, with 100 out of 132 official meetings held across the country since 1 November 2024. 

According to a Cabinet statement released on Thursday, the summit is expected to generate substantial economic activity by increasing demand for goods, services, infrastructure, and logistics. 

This will create jobs and enhance revenues for local businesses.

In preparation for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, South Africa will host a G20 Social Summit from 18 – 20 November 2025. 

This gathering aims to incorporate the voices of civil society into the G20 decision-making process, promote global solidarity, advance inclusive development, and produce a declaration that reflects the aspirations and realities of citizens’ lives.

“South Africa is using its G20 Presidency to respond to complex challenges facing the world and fostering consensus on various issues. Our priorities are to strengthen disaster resilience and response, ensure debt sustainability for developing economies, mobilise finance for a just energy transition and use critical minerals for inclusive growth,” the statement read. 

“We look forward to welcoming our esteemed guests at the G20 Leaders’ Summit and to a smooth handover of the G20 Presidency to the United States.” 

Global Fund’s 8th Replenishment Summit

Cabinet announced that the Global Fund’s 8th Replenishment Summit will be hosted on 21 November 2025 in Johannesburg. 

This summit, co-hosted by South Africa and the United Kingdom in partnership with the Global Fund, will take place alongside the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

The Global Fund is the world’s largest financier of programmes for the prevention, treatment, and care of AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria. 

“This gathering is a pivotal opportunity to mobilise global commitment and resources to accelerate the fight to end HIV and AIDS, TB and malaria.”

According to Cabinet, the summit will convene Heads of State and government, civil society, communities, multilateral and bilateral partners and the private sector, to secure the investments needed to expand life-saving health programmes.

“Discussions at the summit are expected to assist in strengthening resilient and sustainable health systems, which are pivotal in building a healthier, safer future for all.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

Gabisile

119 views

Posted on

Zikalala launches programme to build new harbours in small coastal towns

Source: Government of South Africa

Zikalala launches programme to build new harbours in small coastal towns

Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala will today officially launch a landmark programme to build new small harbours in neglected coastal towns — a key pillar of inclusive infrastructure development in post-apartheid South Africa. 

The Deputy Minister will hand over the Special Economic Zone, which will designate the areas and sites for this massive infrastructure investment, creating a turning point for inclusive and sustainable coastal development.

According to the department, the new small harbour for KwaZulu-Natal will be in Port Shepstone, while others will be built in the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape. 

“The new harbours will be the first to be built since the dawn of democracy. The programme aligns with government priorities on job creation, regional economic development, and inclusive access to maritime infrastructure,” the department said in a statement.

According to the department, the initiative demonstrates government’s commitment to redress past inequities by delivering real, tangible infrastructure in neglected towns. 

“This forms part of coastal government initiatives including the District Development Model, Eastern Seaboard Development, N2 Corridor and Operation Phakisa, Oceans Economy, with the intention of developing a project pipeline for new harbour and coastal infrastructure development along the coastline of South Africa,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

170 views

Posted on

Macpherson to pay courtesy visit to King Misuzulu kaZwelithini

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, October 31, 2025

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson will on Monday pay a courtesy visit to His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini at the KwaKhangela Royal Palace in Nongoma.

“During the meeting, the Minister will present the department and its entities’ plans for infrastructure delivery in KwaZulu-Natal to His Majesty, including ongoing construction and maintenance projects, job creation through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and the implementation of infrastructure reforms like the upcoming Social Facilitation Framework (SFF) to improve delivery performance in the province,” the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said in a statement.

The Minister will be joined by KwaZulu-Natal Public Works and Infrastructure Member of the Executive Council, Martin Meyer; Chairperson of the Independent Development Trust, Zimbini Hill; Chairperson of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), Khulile Nzo, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Council for the Built Environment Dr Msizi Myeza. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Cabinet approves SA’s assumption of interim leadership of SADC

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, October 31, 2025

Cabinet has at its meeting this week approved a request from the Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community, Elias Mpedi, for South Africa to assume interim leadership of SADC – due to the recent political developments in Madagascar. 

This includes hosting all SADC meetings scheduled from November 2025 and South Africa is expected to assume interim responsibilities until the Summit makes a formal determination.

“This request is in line with Articles 9A(2)(b) and 10(4) of the SADC Treaty which states that when a sitting Chair is unable to fulfil its duties, the incoming Chairperson should resume interim responsibilities until the Summit decides,” Cabinet said in a statement.   

An Inter-Ministerial Committee will be established to guide, coordinate and monitor preparations and execution of South Africa’s interim SADC Chairship responsibilities. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Cabinet welcomes smooth start of 2025 matric exams

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, October 31, 2025

Cabinet has welcomed the smooth start of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, with more than 900 000 candidates sitting for the final exams across the country. 

Cabinet commended the Department of Basic Education for the effective systems put in place to ensure the credible and secure administration of the exams.

“Cabinet urges parents and guardians to continue supporting learners during this period by creating a calm, quiet environment for them to study and monitor their anxiety levels until the release of the final results in January 2026. 

“These young people represent the future of our nation, and they must know that we remain proud of them,” Cabinet said in a statement.

Concerns over bullying in schools

Meanwhile, Cabinet also expressed concern over recent reports on incidents of bullying that occurred at various schools across the country.

“Bullying in schools is an extremely serious matter and it is the responsibility of everyone to ensure that our schools are safe and welcoming places of learning. Cabinet calls on all schools to take allegations of bullying, violence and harassment seriously and to investigate them. 

“Learners are encouraged to report incidents of bullying and harassment to principals, educators, parents and guardians,” Cabinet said.

Cabinet reaffirms that schools must adhere to the National School Safety Framework, which provides guidance on addressing violence, including bullying. 

“There is also a need for schools to stringently enforce Learner Codes of Conduct that include clear expectations for behaviour and consequences for bullying,” Cabinet said. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Cabinet welcomes South Africa’s removal from FATF greylist

Source: Government of South Africa

Cabinet, at its meeting held in Cape Town this week, welcomed the official removal of South Africa from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist. 

The decision follows the successful completion of all 22 action items by June 2025 and a positive outcome from the FATF’s on-site assessment in July, which confirmed that South Africa’s reforms to strengthen its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems are both effective and sustainable.

“Cabinet commended the sterling and coordinated work of the inter-departmental team of National Treasury, State Security Agency, National Prosecuting Authority and Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, for the measures put in place to counter and prosecute terrorism and terror-financing,” Cabinet said in a statement.

Cabinet said the greylisting milestone ends a two-year period of heightened monitoring since the country’s greylisting in 2023. 

“This demonstrates South Africa’s commitment to the rule of law, strengthening key institutions, and improving enforcement and governance processes.

“The de-listing is expected to improve business confidence, strengthen financial systems, reduce the cost of borrowing, contribute to the integrity of our economy,  and increase appetite for more investments and creation of jobs. 

“Furthermore, the de-listing will ease illicit cross-border financial transactions and reinforce South Africa’s reputation as a reliable and compliant player in the international financial system,” Cabinet said. 

The FATF is an intergovernmental organisation and finance watchdog that was established to combat money laundering, terrorist and proliferation financing, as well as other threats to the integrity of the international financial system. 

It sets global standards for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, promotes the effective implementation of these standards, and conducts mutual evaluations of member countries to assess their compliance with the FATF Recommendations. 

The FATF requires countries that have exited the greylist to demonstrate continued commitment through measurable outcomes, including successful investigations, prosecutions, and sanctions as they relate to Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism – AML/CFT.

These actions will form the basis of the next FATF Mutual Evaluation for South Africa, which is expected to commence in the first half of 2026 and conclude in October 2027. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Government rolls out anti-gang strategy to curb organised crime

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile announced that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has created the National Anti-Gang Strategy, which aims to dismantle gang-related criminal networks through intelligence gathering, proactive policing, community engagement, and collaboration with stakeholders.

“Under the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, several measures have been introduced to restore the integrity and performance of SAPS Crime Intelligence,” the Deputy President said on Thursday. 

In response to oral questions during a session in the National Assembly, Deputy President Mashatile stated that the SAPS will expand the scope of the Anti-Gang Units. 

He announced that this expansion will include gang-related issues such as drug trafficking, shootings, and murders, extending beyond the Western Cape to include the Eastern Cape and Gauteng.

“The units will also be supported by operations like Operation Shanela and Operation Vala Umgodi,” he added. 

The Deputy President was responding to a question from the Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament (MP) regarding the ongoing Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and the Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. 

The MP asked what measures should be taken to strengthen the overall criminal justice system, particularly the police service.

The country’s second-in-command stated that the government will continue to strengthen the Crime Intelligence Division to combat organised crime, gangsterism, and violent criminality in hotspot areas through structural and technological interventions, including Community Policing Forums (CPFs).

Deputy President Mashatile also spoke about the Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia’s announcement to install a multi-agency anti-gang plan in the Western Cape. 

This plan involves collaboration between the National Prosecuting Authority, the Asset Forfeiture Unit, the Special Investigating Unit, and SAPS to combat gangsterism and extortion.

“This plan has already been finalised with funding allocated for implementation.” 

In the meantime, he stated that the SAPS has enhanced its digital analytics, surveillance, and data-driven policing resources. 

This initiative aims to enhance intelligence-led operations in high-crime areas. 

In addition, the SAPS is collaborating with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to devise strategies that target the financial infrastructure of organised crime, focusing on cross-border business networks. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Posted on

KZN Premier calls for vigilance as festive season approaches

Source: Government of South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has called on citizens to act responsibly and remain vigilant during the upcoming festive season to ensure safety across the province.

Premier Ntuli made the call during the launch of Safety Month and the Festive Season Safety Plan, outlining KwaZulu-Natal’s comprehensive strategy to protect lives, property, and livelihoods during the holiday period.

Speaking at the launch, held in Durban on Thursday, 30 October 2025, Ntuli said the festive season represents both a time of joy and significant economic opportunity, with the province expecting to welcome over two million visitors and generate an estimated R13 billion in economic activity.

“The province’s tourism-driven economy depends on safe communities, secure roads, and law-abiding citizens. The prosperity and safety are inseparable.

“We cannot build a thriving tourism sector or sustain inclusive growth without ensuring that our communities, visitors, and roads are safe,” Ntuli said.

The Premier reminded citizens that the festive period often brings increased risks of road crashes and crime, calling on all citizens to exercise responsibility and vigilance.

Strengthened law enforcement and collaboration

The Premier announced the deployment of 24 515 law enforcement and emergency personnel across the province, as part of the integrated festive season safety operation.

The deployment includes 17 528 SAPS members, 2 000 metro police officers, 693 Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers, 1 912 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) officials, 134 South African Revenue Service (SARS) customs officers, and 1 167 community safety volunteers.

The Premier noted that the integrated approach brings together municipalities, community policing structures, private security, and emergency services in a unified campaign to keep the province safe.

“These teams will be strategically positioned at ports of entry, beaches, shopping centres, events, and major roads, ensuring visibility, rapid response, and safety throughout KwaZulu-Natal.

“The strength of our readiness lies not in numbers alone, but in the spirit of collaboration that binds government, law enforcement, and communities together,” the Premier said.

Strengthening local economies

While reaffirming Durban as the province’s flagship tourism destination, Ntuli highlighted plans to expand tourism beyond the coastline to secondary cities and emerging towns, including Richards Bay, Port Shepstone, Newcastle, and Howick.

He said broadening the tourism map promotes inclusive economic participation, particularly among small enterprises, creative industries, and township economies.

“When residents and visitors feel safe, they stay longer, spend more, and invest deeper in our communities. Safety is an economic imperative,” he said.

Firm stand against GBVF

Ntuli also made a passionate appeal to men across KwaZulu-Natal to take an active role in ending gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), which often tend to escalate during the festive season.

“Let this festive season be a turning point. Rise to protect, not to harm. Every woman and every child deserve to celebrate safely and live without fear.”

He also called for the protection of the elderly and vulnerable, urging families and communities to make their homes sanctuaries of respect, compassion, and dignity.

The Premier further called for action on all sectors of society, including government, business, and communities, to uphold safety as a shared responsibility.

“Let this festive season be remembered not for tragedy, but for discipline, cooperation, and success. Together, we can make this a season of safety, dignity, and growth for all the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” the Premier said.

The launch of Safety Month and the Festive Season Safety Plan reaffirmed the Provincial Government of Unity’s commitment to ensuring that KwaZulu-Natal remains a safe, welcoming, and prosperous destination for residents and visitors alike. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Posted on

SA’s research and development spending grows modestly amid economic challenges

Source: Government of South Africa

Despite economic challenges, South Africa maintained its research activity relative to economic growth, with universities taking the lead and foreign partners deepening their support in 2023/24.

The latest South African National Survey of Research and Experimental Development (R&D Survey) reveals that nominal Gross Domestic Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) was R43.413 billion. 

In 2015 prices, this represents a modest year-on-year increase of 1.3% to R28.621 billion in 2023/24. 

By contrast, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) said the gross domestic product (GDP) growth stood at just 0.8% over the same period.

“Inflation-adjusted R&D growth is below nominal increases. With a flat R&D/GDP ratio of 0.62%, South Africa’s innovation investment is just keeping pace with economic expansion,” said Dr Nazeem Mustapha, HSRC Research Director and the R&D Survey’s principal investigator.

Growth by sectors 

The higher education sector showed the strongest growth in R&D expenditure in 2023/24, buoyed by strong growth in researchers.

“Our universities are not only producing world-class science but also building the skills pipeline for the future,” Mustapha noted.

Government remained the single largest overall funder of R&D, providing R21.847 billion in nominal terms (50.3% of total expenditure). 

Business enterprises contributed R12.033 billion (27.7%) in R&D funding, while foreign sources reached R8.106 billion (18.7%). 

Although foreign funding grew at a slower pace than in 2022/23, business and higher education institutions recorded double-digit increases from international sources.

Shifts in research fields and sectors

The business sector continued to channel most of its R&D spend into financial and business services, which accounted for nearly half (45.8%) of all business R&D spending. 

Manufacturing, though down slightly, remained the second-largest contributor at 29.9% of business expenditure on R&D, led by industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, rubber and plastics. Mining and quarrying placed third, with 10.5%.

The mix between near-term applied solutions and longer-term foundational research is vital for both competitiveness and scientific advancement.

Across research activity categories, applied research dominated, representing 49.5% of all R&D expenditure. 

The HSRC said businesses were the biggest spenders on applied research, investing R9.059 billion. Higher education, in turn, led in basic research, contributing R8.278 billion – around two-thirds of the national total.

Gauteng reinforced its position as the country’s R&D hub, with 40.2% of expenditure (R17.446 billion). 

The Western Cape expanded to a 10-year high of 27.9% (R12.100 billion), followed by KwaZulu-Natal contributing 10.0% to R&D activity nationwide.

According to the HSRC, the research field that South Africa focuses on mainly is the medical and health sciences, with R10.578 billion worth of R&D expenditure in 2023/24. 

The R&D expenditure on social sciences was R6.855 billion. Engineering sciences grew strongly to R5.760 billion, overtaking information and communication technology (ICT), which declined for a second consecutive year to R4.835 billion. 

Biotechnology rose to R3.650 billion, while nanotechnology slipped slightly to R1.342 billion.

Women researchers grow their contribution

The survey notes a gradual increase in the share of women researchers, rising from 47.6% to 47.7%. 

While progress is modest this year, it continues an upward trajectory in gender representation.

Click https://hsrc.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RD_StatisticalReport2023-24_FINAL.pdf to access the results of the 2023/24 statistical report of the R&D Survey. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

South Africa concludes a “very successful” State Visit to Switzerland

Source: Government of South Africa

By Dikeledi Molobela

Schloss Hauptwil, Switzerland – International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has described President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State Visit to Switzerland as “a resounding success” that deepened political, economic, and developmental ties between the two nations.

Speaking to SAnews in Schloss Hauptwil, a centuries-old castle nestled in the Thurgau region, Minister Lamola reflected on the significance of the visit. 

The elegant estate, known for its tranquil gardens and timeless architecture, provided a dignified and intimate setting for a lunch hosted by local authorities in honour of President Ramaphosa and Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter. 

Minister Lamola said the visit had marked a historic milestone in South Africa–Switzerland relations. 

“We have just concluded a very successful state visit to Switzerland the first between South Africa and Switzerland by a State President from South Africa. 

“The first one we had here was a working visit by our former President Mandela. But the Swiss have elevated this to a much higher pedestal to show and deepen our political and economic relationship,” he said. 

The Minister noted that discussions between the two countries covered a wide range of areas from peacebuilding and mediation to collaboration in multilateral platforms and trade.

“They are very keen to work with us on peacebuilding initiatives, mediation, and also on our work in the continent and in various multilateral platforms. In terms of the economy, they have brought leading Swiss companies, some already active in South Africa, while others are exploring opportunities to invest. There is huge space for collaboration and investment by Swiss companies, with a clear intention to build manufacturing plants and to develop skills in South Africa,” the Minister said. 

Lamola highlighted that one of the most valuable lessons from the visit was Switzerland’s dual education system, a model that merges theoretical learning with practical experience. 

“The Swiss education system is a dual education system which enables young people, from the age of 15, to learn both theory and practice. They call it ‘where practice and theory meet.’ It is a very encouraging and stimulating system that produces highly skilled artisans from boiler makers to mechanics and other trades that every growing economy needs, including ours,” he explained.

The Minister said the South African delegation which included the Ministers of Higher Education Buti Manamela, and Science and Technology, Blade Nzimande was inspired by the potential to adapt this approach to help tackle youth unemployment and boost industrial growth.

“This visit has really inspired all of us, including our President. We will now move to implement this in our country, in collaboration with industries, to strengthen skills development and respond to our unemployment challenges. 

“It’s clear that we need a radical shift in how we skill our young people to integrate them early into economic life and ensure they contribute meaningfully to our society. This was a very good visit in that regard, because we will now move to implement and ensure that practice meets theory,” he said. 

The State Visit, which included engagements at the Vocational and Further Education Centre in Wil-Uzwil and the Bühler AG Manufacturing Facility, aimed to strengthen cooperation in education, trade, and industrial development marking a new era in the partnership between South Africa and Switzerland. – SAnews.gov.za