MIL Africa Engine

By Michael Currin
South Africa’s democracy was forged through the courage, sacrifice and unwavering determination of those who believed in the ideals of freedom, equality and human dignity. The road to freedom was neither easy nor without immense pain. It demanded extraordinary resilience from generations who endured injustice, oppression and personal hardship in pursuit of a democratic South Africa where all people could enjoy equal rights and opportunities. The democratic gains achieved over the past three decades were hard-won and remain a shared national responsibility.

Preserving and advancing these gains requires ethical leadership that is guided by the principles of integrity, accountability and an unwavering commitment to serving the interests of the public. It is this kind of leadership that strengthens democratic institutions, inspires public confidence and ensures that government remains responsive to the needs of its people. Moreover, it is also the role of citizens to collaborate with government in ensuring that the values of democracy are upheld, communities remain actively engaged in shaping their future, and public institutions continue to serve as instruments for the advancement of society.

By embracing ethical leadership at every level of government, South Africa advances its vision of building a capable, ethical and developmental state that places the needs of its people at the centre of governance. Building such a state is a priority of the Seventh Administration and a constitutional imperative that underpins public administration. It is a state supported by strong democratic institutions that promote accountability, transparency and the protection of constitutional values.

These institutions, including Chapter 9 institutions such as the Public Protector, Auditor-General of South Africa and the South African Human Rights Commission, together with mechanisms such as commissions of inquiry, play a critical role in strengthening oversight and ensuring that public power is exercised responsibly. Ultimately, a capable, ethical and developmental state must be responsive to the needs of its people and committed to creating the conditions necessary for economic growth, job creation and an improved quality of life for all South Africans.

The success of a capable and developmental state relies heavily on having professional public servants. These are competent, accountable, ethical public servants who also possess the skills and expertise to plan and implement policies and monitor programmes that deliver meaningful outcomes for its citizens.

These principles are not abstract aspirations. They are rooted in South Africa’s constitutional framework and are binding for every sphere of government. The Constitution requires public servants to manage finances in a manner that is transparent and ensures value for money. Citizens have a right to know how public funds were allocated, how they were spent, what services were delivered, and who must be held accountable when commitments are not met.

Our democracy has several tools to ensure accountability, and one of these is the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), which provides the legislative framework for the management of public finances across national and provincial government, as well as public entities. The PFMA promotes transparency, accountability and responsible financial management by requiring institutions to use public resources efficiently, effectively and in accordance with the law.

At the local government level, these principles are reinforced through the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and the Municipal Systems Act, which govern how municipalities and municipal entities manage public resources and deliver services to communities. Together, these legislative frameworks establish clear standards for budgeting, financial reporting, procurement, revenue management, oversight and the prevention of unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure. They are central to building ethical governance and protecting the integrity of South Africa’s democracy.

Compliance with legislation, however, does not on its own constitute capability. A municipality that submits reports on time but cannot provide reliable water services, maintain roads or pay legitimate suppliers cannot be regarded as fully functional. Equally, a municipality that completes a project through an unlawful procurement process cannot claim success. A capable state must deliver measurable results while upholding the law, protecting the public purse and ensuring that resources are used in the best interests of communities.

The recent actions by National Treasury to withhold municipal transfers from municipalities that failed to address governance and financial shortcomings serve as a reminder that protecting democracy requires ethical leadership and strong accountability systems. These interventions demonstrate that public resources are entrusted to government for the benefit of citizens and that leaders have a responsibility to ensure that these resources are managed responsibly, transparently and in accordance with the law.

While strong laws and accountability mechanisms are necessary to prevent the misuse of public resources, they cannot replace the need for leaders who act with integrity, take responsibility for their decisions and place the interests of communities above all else.

Ethical leadership is therefore fundamental to building the capable, ethical and developmental state envisioned in the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030. The NDP recognises that a capable state requires strong institutions, professional public servants and leaders who are committed to accountability, transparency and effective service delivery. Policies and legislative frameworks provide the foundation for good governance, but it is ethical leadership that gives effect to these principles and ensures that government institutions serve their intended purpose.

Through ethical leadership, government can strengthen public trust, improve institutional performance and ensure that public resources are directed towards creating better outcomes for citizens. This is essential to preserving the gains of South Africa’s democracy and advancing a state that is responsive, accountable and committed to improving the quality of life of all South Africans.

*Currin is Deputy Director-General at the Government Communication and Information System

The Eastern Cape Department of Health, in partnership with the National Department of Health and other stakeholders, is commemorating World Breastfeeding Week with renewed calls to strengthen breastfeeding support and improve infant nutrition.

To mark the week, the National Department of Health, together with the provincial department, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners, are conducting community outreach activities across the province.

A flagship event is taking place today at the Nkondlo African Gospel Church in Engcobo, in the Chris Hani District Municipality, where pregnant women, mothers, fathers, healthcare workers and community members are participating in breastfeeding awareness activities, including a joint breastfeeding session.

Similar events are being held in provinces across the country to strengthen community support for breastfeeding and encourage healthy starts for children.

Observed annually from 1 to 7 August, World Breastfeeding Week aims to raise awareness about the health, social and economic benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers.

This year’s campaign is being held under the theme: “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works”, highlighting the role of breastfeeding in improving nutrition, enhancing food security, reducing poverty and promoting cost-effective interventions that support mothers.

According to the Department of Health, South Africa’s exclusive breastfeeding rate stands at 22%, well below the global target of 60% by 2030. In comparison, the World Health Organization estimates that nearly 48% of infants under six months of age were exclusively breastfed worldwide in 2024.

The department said improving breastfeeding practices is critical to reducing infant mortality, addressing childhood malnutrition and improving maternal health outcomes.

“Breastmilk remains a baby’s first vaccine and best protection against illness and disease,” the department said ahead of Tuesday’s flagship event.

Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients infants require during the first months of life and continues to meet a significant portion of a child’s nutritional needs throughout the first two years.

The department continues to encourage mothers to initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusively breastfeed for the first six months, and continue breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods until children reach two years of age and beyond.

The campaign also emphasises that breastfeeding is a shared responsibility, requiring support from government, employers, healthcare workers, families and communities to create environments that enable mothers to breastfeed successfully. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed two Proclamations authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of maladministration and unlawful conduct in the affairs of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality Police operationalisation and the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health’s voluntary medical male circumcision tender.

In a statement on Monday, the SIU said Proclamation 329 of 2026 initiates an investigation into serious maladministration within the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in the Free State over nine contracts.

“This investigation will specifically focus on the causes related to the establishment and operationalisation of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipal Police, as outlined in Provincial Notice No. 124 of 2019, as well as overpayments made by the municipality to suppliers, as indicated in the municipality’s annual financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2024,” the SIU said.

The investigation will examine the procurement and contracting processes for branding and marketing items, corporate gift items, catering services and the upgrading, relocation and configuration of office space at Gabriel Dichabe for Mangaung Metropolitan Municipal Police, among others.

In addition, it will examine related unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the municipality or the State, as recorded in the Municipality’s Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure Register for the financial years 2022–2023 and 2023–2024.

“The investigations will also review any improper or unlawful conduct by officials or employees, service providers, suppliers, or any other person or entity during the period under investigation.

The Proclamation covers allegations that took place between 1 October 2016 and 31 July 2026.

It also empowers the SIU to investigate any conduct before or after this period that is relevant or connected to the matters under investigation, including contracts where services were paid for but not delivered.

Meanwhile, Proclamation 325 of 2026 authorises the SIU to investigate the procurement or contracting of voluntary medical male circumcision services by or on behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health.

The investigation pertains to Tender No. GT/GDH/099/2018 and the payments made in relation to it, examining the process and compliance involved.

“The investigation will also examine whether the process was fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, and cost-effective. It will also assess compliance with applicable legislation, as well as manuals, guidelines, practice notes, circulars, or instructions issued by the National Treasury or the relevant Provincial Treasury.

“The investigators will also review the manuals, policies, procedures, prescripts, instructions, or practices relevant to the department, as well as any unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State,” the SIU explained.

The Proclamation covers allegations that took place between 1 August 2018 and 31 July 2026.

It also empowers the SIU to investigate any conduct before or after this period that is relevant or connected to the matters under investigation, including contracts where services were paid for but not delivered. – SAnews.gov.za

The Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has commended the newly established Gauteng Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) for making significant breakthroughs in investigations into the murders of political party members and ward councillors in Gauteng.

The Gauteng PKTT recently arrested two suspects for the murder of Thabang Masemola, an ANC Ward 10 Councillor in the City of Tshwane. Masemola was murdered on 08 July 2025 in Mamelodi East.

The two suspects arrested include the alleged hitman and a woman who is believed to have played a role in planning the murder of the councillor.

The pair will reappear before the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court. 

In the second case, following the discovery of the body of EFF member Aaron Makola by the PKTT, investigators from the Gauteng PKTT tracked down and arrested his alleged killers.

Over the weekend, three suspects, aged 40, 42 and 44, were arrested and are expected to appear before the Delmas Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 05 August 2026, on charges of murder, kidnapping and robbery.

Lieutenant General Dimpane has praised the dedication and professionalism of the team.

“These breakthroughs demonstrate SAPS’ unwavering commitment to ensuring that those who commit violent crimes are tracked down and brought before the courts.

“We commend the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team for their tireless efforts and assure the families of the victims, as well as the people of Gauteng, that we remain resolute in our fight against violent crime and politically motivated killings,” Lieutenant General Dimpane said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, on Monday launched a new online service that makes it easier for South Africans to find their nearest participating bank branch to apply for a Smart ID Card.

Available at myhomeaffairsonline.dha.gov.za, the new platform enables citizens to instantly locate participating bank branches across South Africa, the Department of Home Affairs said in a statement.

As additional branches join the department’s digital partnership with the banking sector, they will automatically be added to the website in real time, ensuring South Africans always have access to the latest information.

The launch comes as the department’s digital partnership continues to expand rapidly.

South Africans can now access Smart ID services through 372 participating bank branches across the country, making it easier than ever before to replace the fraud-prone green barcoded ID book with the secure Smart ID Card.

Since the digital partnership was launched on 9 March 2026, more than half a million South Africans have applied for Smart ID Cards through participating bank branches, demonstrating growing demand for a simpler, faster and more secure way of accessing Home Affairs services.

“This new online service makes it easier than ever for South Africans to find their nearest participating bank branch and switch to the secure Smart ID Card. Every reform we implement should make our services easier to access, and this is another practical step towards achieving that goal,” Schreiber said.

He was speaking during the Home Affairs digital partnership media event with FNB at Canal Walk in Cape Town on Monday.

The Minister encouraged every South African still using the fraud-prone green barcoded ID book to make the switch to the secure Smart ID Card by using the new online service to find their nearest participating bank branch.

“More than half a million South Africans have already made the switch from the fraud-prone green barcoded ID book through our banking partners.

“It has never been easier to join them. Home Affairs @ home is about bringing our services closer to where people live, work and bank, so that secure Home Affairs services fit into the lives of South Africans instead of expecting South Africans to fit into ours. That is how we will continue delivering dignity for all,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Police Deputy Minister, Dr Polly Boshielo, and Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, will today lead a gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) Crime Prevention Ministerial Imbizo in Ivory Park, Tembisa.

“The imbizo aims to provide a platform for meaningful engagement between the South African Police Service (SAPS), government leadership, community members, and key stakeholders on collaborative efforts to combat GBVF, as well as other prevalent crimes affecting Ivory Park and surrounding communities,” the police said in a statement ahead of the start of the imbizo on Tuesday.

The engagement in Gauteng seeks to identify practical, sustainable solutions and strengthen partnerships in the fight against crime.– SAnews.gov.za

Eskom has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s green light on Phase I work of the Presidency’s Eskom Restructuring Task Team (ERTT), which sets out the framework for establishing a fully independent state-owned Transmission System Operator (TSO).

“Eskom welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s statement on the Phase I Report prepared by the Eskom Restructuring Task Team (ERTT) and supports the delivery of the government policy to establish an independent, state-owned Transmission System Operator (TSO),” the power utility said in a statement on Monday.

President Ramaphosa endorsed the landmark report by the ERTT, which sets the stage for a restructuring of the electricity sector to “create competition, unlock investment, reduce electricity prices and ensure energy security for sustained economic growth and job creation.”

In its statement, the power utility said it noted the emphasis in the ERTT’s Phase I Report that the establishment of the TSO should be implemented in a manner that addresses lender requirements, avoids defaults, and ensures that Eskom is not placed in a worse financial position and appropriately considers shareholder rights and interests.

These considerations, said the utility, are important to maintaining its financial sustainability and supporting a stable and orderly transition as the reform process progresses. This principle is a key enabler of a competitive electricity market that can support reliable, cost-effective electricity supply, strengthen energy security, attract investment, and contribute to South Africa’s economic growth, while reducing the risk of market failure.

“The Eskom Board shares President Ramaphosa’s vision of an independent Transmission System Operator that will own the transmission assets at the appropriate point in the future. Equally, the Board has a clear fiduciary responsibility to ensure that Eskom remains financially sustainable so that energy security can continue to power South Africa’s growth.

“It is precisely for these reasons that we fully support the pragmatic approach of treating electricity sector reforms as a carefully sequenced process with clear stage gates,” said Eskom Board Chairman Mteto Nyati.

Nyati added that as Phase II of the reform process commences, it is important that the implementation process safeguards Eskom’s financial sustainability and appropriately addresses lender requirements, financing arrangements and contractual obligations.

“The establishment of an independent TSO is a material event for Eskom’s lenders and will require careful engagement as the implementation pathway is developed. Successful reform and a financially sustainable Eskom are complementary objectives that will help support a stable, sustainable and investment-ready electricity,” he said.

Eskom also welcomed the ERTT’s proposal to establish a dedicated workstream to develop solutions to municipal debt.

“Addressing municipal arrear debt, which has reached R119 billion, remains critical to Eskom’s long-term financial sustainability and its ability to meet existing debt obligations. Progress in this area will be an important consideration in developing a sustainable implementation pathway for a fully independent TSO. Eskom, therefore, further welcomes the proposal to establish a focused programme of work to address this challenge,” Nyati explained.

In his statement on Friday, President Ramaphosa said the report shows how government can ensure that the architecture of the electricity sector can change as the sector continues to evolve, creating the foundation for South Africa’s growth.

The report includes recommendations that:
•    show that the restructuring is feasible, in line with international best practice, and can be done in a manner that does not compromise Eskom’s financial sustainability.
•    highlight that the growth in municipal arrear debt to Eskom needs to be addressed because of the threat it poses to Eskom and the broader electricity sector.
•    identify several actions that can be taken immediately to enable the restructuring.

Meanwhile, the power utility said it remains committed to supporting South Africa’s electricity market reforms while ensuring that the implementation process strengthens the long-term sustainability of the utility and the broader electricity sector.

“Eskom will continue to engage with affected stakeholders and provide updates, as appropriate, as the reform process progresses,” it said. –SAnews.gov.za

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has urged all eligible South Africans to register and verify their voter registration details before the proclamation of the 2026 Local Government Elections date on Friday, 7 August 2026.

In terms of Section 159 of the Constitution, read together with the Municipal Structures Act, the Minister of CoGTA is responsible for proclaiming the date of local government elections, which must be held within 90 days after the expiry of a municipality’s five-year term.

The proclamation and gazetting of the election date will result in the closure of the voters’ roll for the 2026 elections.

The Minister’s call follows a successful voter registration weekend held on 1 and 2 August 2026, during which approximately 1.7 million citizens interacted with the Electoral Commission (IEC). Of these, 291 806 registered as first-time voters, while more than 1.5 million voters updated or confirmed their registration details.

Hlabisa welcomed the encouraging turnout, describing it as a clear demonstration of citizens’ commitment to strengthening democracy and shaping the future of their communities.

“I urge all eligible South Africans who have not yet registered, or who need to update their details, to do so before the proclamation date. Every registered voter strengthens our democracy and ensures that communities have a voice in local government,” Hlabisa said in a statement on Monday.

The Minister reminded voters that, in local government elections, citizens may only vote in the ward where they are registered. He encouraged voters to make use of the IEC’s Online Voter Registration Portal and voter verification services to confirm their registration status.

READ | Register now before it’s too late

Hlabisa also expressed his appreciation to the Electoral Commission, electoral staff, political parties, community organisations, traditional leaders, and all stakeholders whose contributions helped ensure the success of the voter registration weekend.

South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections, scheduled for 4 November 2026, will provide citizens with an important opportunity to shape the future of local governance and strengthen democratic participation at community level. – SAnews.gov.za