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Retired Judge Takalani Joseph Raulinga has been officially announced as the inaugural Ombud of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), with the oversight body’s offices to be housed at SALU Building in Tshwane.

The IDAC Ombud is mandated to investigate allegations of abuse of power, probe allegations of improper conduct, maladministration and related complaints at the directorate.

“The judge is appointed for a non-renewable term of [five] years. 

“We have established a team with investigators… We have seconded investigators from the SIU [Special Investigating Unit] to [give] support. We have transferred officials from the Office of the Chief Justice. These officials that will be coming here will be permanently employed into the structure of the office, supported by the department,” Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Kubayi said during a media briefing on Friday.

Answering questions from the media, Kubayi pushed back on inferences that the IDAC may have to start afresh following allegations made against directorate officials at the Madlanga Commission.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate for us to start from scratch. I don’t think that the institution [is at] the point that it is hopeless. There are green shoots. That’s why the ombud, as an oversight mechanism, provides a buffer so that when things don’t go right, they can be investigated independently.

“Institutions cannot be broken on the basis that there are one or two things that have gone wrong,” Kubayi said.

She acknowledged that although allegations may have an impact on institutions, it remains the responsibility of both the Minister of Justice and the Head of the NPA to protect institutions.

“Institutions must always be protected, and individuals can never be above and more important than the organisations. We will consistently evaluate and where appropriate, decisions and actions that need to be taken will be taken.

“We do not want to run commentary [on the Madlanga Commission] but… IDAC is very critical and its formation was for a specific reason. The work must remain credible. Its integrity must be high and the people who are within it must be of high ethical and moral standing. That cannot be compromised,” she asserted.

National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) of the NPA, Advocate Andy Mothibi, said: “IDAC remains a very important institution and there’s good work that it has done. It was established initially to focus on implementing the outcomes of the Zondo Commission. We would like to support it such as it executes its mandate without any shadow of doubt around it.”

Mothibi assured that if allegations at the Madlanga Commission are found to have substance, the prosecutorial body will take disciplinary steps. – SAnews.gov.za

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Durban is set to welcome delegates from the United States, the Caribbean and other parts of the African diaspora when it hosts the reSURGEnce Durban Conference later this year.

The reSURGEnce Conference is an international gathering, aimed at strengthening investment, trade and economic collaboration between Africa and global partners.

The reSURGEnce Durban Conference will take place at the Durban Exhibition Centre from 24 to 28 October 2026, under the theme: “Decreasing Barriers by Increasing Access.”

The event is expected to bring together investors, business leaders, entrepreneurs, government representatives and faith leaders to explore opportunities for expanding investment, entrepreneurship and strategic partnerships between Africa and the global diaspora.

International delegates have been encouraged to depart for South Africa from 21 October to allow sufficient time ahead of the conference programme.

The eThekwini Municipality said preparations for the event are well advanced, with plans in place to ensure the successful hosting of the international conference.

eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele and USA reSURGEnce Conference Convenor, Reverend Dennis Dillon, have reaffirmed Durban’s readiness to welcome delegates from across the world and showcase its investment potential.

“Durban is open for business and ready to welcome the world. As a leading investment and trade destination, our city offers world-class conferencing facilities, modern infrastructure and an enabling environment for business growth. We look forward to connecting global delegates with local opportunities while showcasing Durban’s investment potential,” Mbhele said.

Mbhele added that comprehensive safety and security measures are well in place to ensure delegates enjoy a safe and seamless experience throughout the conference.

The municipality said the programme will include an exhibition showcasing locally manufactured products, business and investment discussions, business-to-business meetings, networking sessions, cultural exchanges and faith-based engagements designed to strengthen international collaboration.

Collectively, these activities position Durban as a gateway for investment, collaboration and meaningful partnerships.

The programme will continue in the United States from 17 to 22 November, with follow-up events scheduled for New York and Newark, building on the momentum of the Durban conference by advancing discussions and strengthening the partnerships established during the Durban conference.

For conference and exhibition registration, travel packages, and further event information, visit www.resurgenceconference.com – SAnews.gov.za
 

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By William Baloyi
The month of July is observed in South Africa as Mandela Month. Every year on 18 July, South Africa and the world honour the life and legacy of former President Nelson Mandela. The day, which coincides with Madiba’s birthday, was officially proclaimed Nelson Mandela International Day by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 64/13, adopted on 10 November 2009, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the culture of peace, reconciliation, human rights and the promotion of social justice.

This year’s Mandela Month coincides with South Africa’s celebration of the Milestones of Freedom, a national campaign that reflects on the country’s democratic journey and the progress made over the past three decades. Under the theme: “Honouring the Past. Delivering the Future,” the campaign recognises the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom while reaffirming government’s commitment to building a more inclusive, prosperous and equitable society.

It also reminds South Africans that the democratic gains we enjoy today were secured through the courage, vision and selfless leadership of generations of freedom fighters, with President Nelson Mandela standing as one of the defining figures of that collective struggle. As the nation reflects on the milestones achieved since the dawn of democracy, Mandela Month provides an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the values that have shaped our constitutional democracy and to the shared responsibility of advancing the work of nation-building.

This year’s Mandela Month is observed under the theme “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity”. The theme serves as a reminder of some of the challenges Madiba fought for, of which we should continue to advance as we celebrate 30 years of the adoption and signing of the Constitution into law. While we have made progress since 1994, government acknowledges that more still needs to be done to address the legacy of apartheid which continues to manifest itself in the country’s triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment.

Madiba understood that nation building and the challenges we continue to face cannot be addressed by government alone. He believed that building a better South Africa required the active participation of business, civil society, communities and every citizen. His vision reminds us that we all have a role to play in creating a society that is more just, inclusive and prosperous.

Nelson Mandela famously said that overcoming poverty is not an act of charity, but an act of justice. He envisioned a South Africa where every person could live with dignity, enjoy equal opportunities and realise their full potential. That vision remains within our reach, but only if we confront poverty, inequality and unemployment with the same courage, discipline and unity that carried our nation through its darkest days.

The development of our communities and the empowerment of our youth are constitutional responsibilities shared by all South Africans. Government therefore calls on businesses to invest in young people through internships, learnerships, and mentorship programmes. Furthermore, communities must encourage and support youth entrepreneurship. By working together, we can expand opportunities for young people and unlock the full potential of our nation.

Our Constitution embodies the aspirations of a united, peaceful and democratic nation that has overcome oppression and division. It provides the foundation for building a more equal society by progressively advancing access to housing, healthcare, education, food, water, social security and other fundamental rights that improve the quality of life for all. Through collective action, we give practical expression to the values and promises of our Constitution, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Mandela also believed that education, science, innovation and healthcare were essential pillars of national development. He understood that investing in people is the surest path to building a capable and prosperous nation. Today, South Africa continues to honour that legacy by expanding access to quality healthcare through life-saving innovations such as the rollout of Lenacapavir for HIV prevention, strengthening our education system, and supporting world-class research and scientific excellence.

Our achievements across multiple sectors demonstrate what is possible when a nation invests in its people. South African universities continue to rank among the best on the African continent and are recognised globally for excellence in teaching and research.

 Our scientists are helping to build the Square Kilometre Array, the world’s largest and most sensitive radio telescope, positioning South Africa at the forefront of global scientific discovery. On the sporting field, our teams and athletes continue to inspire the nation by competing with distinction and consistently demonstrating that South Africans can succeed on the world’s biggest stages.

As we commemorate Nelson Mandela Month, let us honour his legacy not only through acts of service, but by building a nation that reflects his enduring values of justice, equality, compassion and shared responsibility.

*Baloyi is the Deputy Government Spokesperson at the Government Communications and Information System.

 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on world leaders to move beyond commitments and accelerate the transformation of education systems, saying the world has reached a critical point in achieving quality education for all before the 2030 deadline.

Addressing the Transforming Education Summit (TES+4) at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Headquarters in Paris on Friday, the President said education remains the most powerful instrument for driving economic growth, reducing inequality and creating opportunities for future generations.

Quoting South Africa’s founding democratic President, Nelson Mandela, President Ramaphosa reminded delegates of the enduring value of education. 

“The founding father of democratic South Africa, President Nelson Mandela, said that education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. These words ring as true today as when they were first spoken.

“Education builds. It unlocks human potential. It dismantles ignorance. Every classroom and every lesson empowers the individual to transform not only their own lives but also their communities, their societies and their countries,” the President said. 

The President highlighted examples from across the world, including Rwanda, China and India, where sustained investment in education has driven economic transformation and expanded opportunities for millions of people.

He also pointed to South Africa’s own progress, describing the country’s latest matric results as a source of national optimism.

“Last year, we achieved the highest school-leaving certificate pass rate in our democratic history. What makes this all the more extraordinary is that the majority of those passes qualifying for university entry were learners from poor communities.

“These are young people who will go on to pursue their dreams at a university, technical or vocational college of their choice, where they will study for free. This is a generation taking up opportunity that would have been denied to their parents and grandparents under apartheid,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa said these achievements demonstrate that education is more than a pathway out of poverty. 

“These stories are a powerful reminder that when opportunity is extended, education becomes not merely a ladder out of poverty, but a tool with which a nation can transform itself, as President Mandela said,” the President said. 

Challenges and improving working conditions

Reflecting on progress since the 2022 Transforming Education Summit, the President acknowledged that while countries had committed to recovering learning losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and improving equity in education, significant challenges remain.

“The pandemic may be behind us, but serious challenges remain. Tightening fiscal conditions impact our ability to invest in education. Conflicts and climate-related shocks are disrupting education and displacing millions. At the same time, we stand at the threshold of a technological revolution that will fundamentally reshape the skills our young people need to thrive,” President Ramaphosa said. 

He said the summit must honestly assess global progress and ensure that countries remain accountable for delivering on their commitments.
“Our credibility will be measured not by the aspirations we declare, but by the progress we achieve for learners everywhere,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa stressed that teachers remain central to any meaningful education reform, calling for improved working conditions and greater recognition of the profession.

“The teaching profession stands at the heart of any meaningful education transformation. We cannot transform education without transforming the conditions under which our teachers work and the respect with which we treat them,” the President said. 

Inclusivity and transformation
The President also underscored the importance of ensuring education systems are inclusive and equitable.

“Similarly, we cannot achieve SDG 4 without prioritising equity and inclusion with absolute clarity and purpose. Inclusive quality education means reaching all learners, whether they are male or female, able-bodied or living with disabilities, urban or rural, rich or poor.

“Without equity at the centre of education policy, reform risks reproducing the very inequalities it seeks to overcome,” he said. 

With the world now halfway between the commitments made in 2022 and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal deadline, President Ramaphosa said incremental reforms would no longer be enough.

“This is not a time for incremental adjustments or business as usual. This is a time for bold, system-wide transformation that builds more resilient, adaptive, and future-ready education systems,” the President said. 

He said building resilient education systems would require coordinated global action, sustained political commitment, innovative financing and meaningful participation by young people.

President Ramaphosa also highlighted South Africa’s efforts during its G20 Presidency to align global education priorities with Sustainable Development Goal 4.

“During South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 last year, we sought to align the outcomes of our Presidency with the SDG4 global agenda by championing foundation quality learning, strengthening the education profession and promoting mutual recognition of qualifications and skills across borders,” he said. 

He encouraged member states to maintain strong alignment between G20 education priorities and the work of the Transforming Education Summit while also urging young people to see education as a means to shape a better future.

“Your education is not simply about gaining qualifications. It is about equipping yourselves to solve the problems of your generation. Your education must prepare you not just to inherit the world we leave you, but to transform it,” he said. 
SAnews.gov.za

 

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