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Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthening global partnerships on water security.

Majodina was speaking at a bilateral meeting with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) President, Lok Bahadur Thapa, on Tuesday.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, where South Africa highlighted its efforts to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). The goal seeks to ensure universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030, while strengthening partnerships that will support investment, innovation and collaborative solutions to the country’s water challenges.

Majodina told Thapa that water security remains a strategic national priority. She outlined government’s interventions to address ongoing water supply challenges.

South Africa has established the National Water Crisis Committee (WATERCOM), chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa, to coordinate efforts to tackle persistent water supply disruptions, ageing infrastructure and service delivery challenges.

The committee brings together all spheres of government to fast-track interventions, remove bureaucratic bottlenecks and mobilise resources to municipalities experiencing water crises.

Majodina said the establishment of WATERCOM demonstrates South Africa’s political commitment to accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, and ensuring that water security remains central to the country’s economic growth, social development and climate resilience agenda.

“Water is a cross-cutting development issue that impacts every aspect of society. Our government’s decision to elevate water governance to Presidential level reflects the importance we attach to ensuring sustainable water security for all South Africans, while accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals,” the Minister said.

The Minister said that while South Africa has sufficient bulk water resources, key challenges remain, including ageing infrastructure, non-revenue water, rapid population growth and increasing demand for reliable water services.

She emphasised that addressing these challenges require sustained investment, innovation, coordinated leadership and strengthened international cooperation.

Thapa welcomed South Africa’s active participation in the High-Level Political Forum and commended the country’s growing contribution to global discussions on water security and sustainable development. He acknowledged South Africa’s contribution to multilateral cooperation and its role in promoting practical solutions to achieving the 2030 Agenda.

Thapa also encouraged South Africa to participate in the next cycle of Voluntary National Reviews, saying the country’s experience and leadership could contribute to advancing implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Majodina welcomed the recommendation and committed to convey it to government as part of South Africa’s continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and global cooperation.

She highlighted South Africa’s interventions aimed at expanding access to water in underserved communities through groundwater development and borehole projects, while also sharing the country’s commitment to innovation, including collaboration with African partners on desalination technologies and sustainable water infrastructure.

The Minister further called for greater participation by women and young people in global water governance, noting that women remain disproportionately affected by inadequate access to water and sanitation and that youth should play a greater role in shaping sustainable water solutions.

Concluding the engagement, both leaders reaffirmed that access to universal access to safe water and sanitation remains central to achieving sustainable development and improving quality of life.

The meeting further strengthened South Africa’s partnership with ECOSOC and reinforced the country’s determination to mobilise global cooperation, investment and innovation to accelerate the delivery of SDG 6 and the broader Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Board of the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has welcomed the Financial Sector Conduct Authority’s (FSCA) investigation following a whistleblower report alleging unethical practices within the organisation.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Board said it had provided the Authority with the requested information and documentation relating to the whistleblower report and the associated governance processes.

The FSCA has expressed concern about recent developments at the PIC, particularly those relating to governance, leadership stability, transparency and the potential impact on the integrity of, and confidence in, one of South Africa’s key financial institutions.

Consequently, the Authority has decided to investigate these developments at the PIC in terms of section 135 of the Financial Sector Regulation Act.

“The PIC occupies a unique and critically important position within South Africa’s financial system. As the country’s largest asset manager and custodian of substantial public sector savings, it bears heightened responsibilities to maintain the highest standards of governance, integrity, accountability and conduct. 

“Events over recent months raise serious questions as to whether these standards are being consistently upheld,” the FSCA said.

The Board has placed Chief Executive, Patrick Dlamini, on precautionary suspension following allegations of impropriety contained in a whistleblower report submitted last month.

“The Board believes that strong regulatory oversight is a hallmark of a healthy democracy and resilient financial system. Institutions such as the FSCA and the PIC have a shared responsibility to safeguard the retirement savings of millions of South Africans through sound governance, accountability and transparency.”

The Board also resolved that Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) Acting Chief Investment Officer August Van Heerden will cease serving in the position.

It has appointed Leon Smit, the current Head of Fixed Income in Listed Investments at the PIC, as Acting Chief Investment Officer to ensure stability and the optimum management of PIC investment decisions.

While challenges remain, the Board said the PIC has made significant progress in strengthening the corporation’s governance framework and oversight processes.

“The Board remains fully committed to cooperating with all regulators and ensuring that governance matters are addressed through independent, credible and transparent processes.

“The Board appreciates the FSCA’s continued vigilance and looks forward to working constructively with the Authority in the interests of maintaining confidence in South Africa’s financial sector and protecting the interests of pensioners.” – SAnews.gov.za

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The Gauteng Provincial Government is embarking on a coordinated programme of community engagements led by Members of the Executive Council (MECs), dubbed #ImbizoWednesdays, across all regions of province.

“The #ImbizoWednesdays form part of the Gauteng government’s commitment to a responsive, accountable and citizen-centred administration that works in partnership with communities,” the Gauteng provincial government said in a statement on Tuesday.

The engagements will provide residents with an opportunity to engage directly with MECs, Executive Mayors and senior government officials on service delivery, provincial priorities and matters affecting their communities.

“Through the #ImbizoWednesdays engagements, the province will provide regular feedback on the implementation of government programmes, infrastructure projects and the commitments outlined in the 2026/27 Budget Votes, while strengthening public participation and accountability.

“These engagements further reinforce the Provincial government’s commitment to the Growing Gauteng Together 2030(GGT2030) vision by fostering meaningful partnerships with communities to enhance service delivery, create economic opportunities and build a safer, more inclusive and prosperous Gauteng,” the Gauteng government said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli says the Office of the Premier’s 2026/27 Budget Vote is “more than a set of numbers”, describing it as a statement of the provincial government’s priorities and commitment to coordinated governance.

Tabling Budget Vote 1 before the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday, Ntuli said the budget reflected the values and direction of the 7th Administration. 

“Madam Speaker, this Budget Vote is more than a set of numbers. It is a statement of intent. It tells our people what we value. It tells our people where their taxes go, and why,” he said.

The Office of the Premier has been allocated R856.2 million for the 2026/27 financial year, with R234.2 million earmarked for Administration, R392.7 million for Institutional Development, and R229.2 million for Policy and Governance.

Ntuli said while frontline departments deliver services directly to communities, the Office of the Premier provides direction, coherence, policy coordination, monitoring, evidence-based decision-making and implementation oversight.

“A hospital budget builds wards. A roads budget builds bridges. Our budget builds direction. It builds coherence. It builds the systems that make every other department’s work possible,” he said.

Ntuli reflected on the challenges inherited by the 7th Administration, including the impact of the July 2021 unrest, climate change-related disasters and ongoing economic hardship.

He said the Provincial Government has responded to these challenges through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach aimed at restoring confidence, accelerating service delivery and inspiring new hope.

Highlighting signs of economic recovery, Ntuli said KwaZulu-Natal secured R89 billion in investment pledges in 2024, increasing to R101 billion in 2025. 

He added that more than 6 000 jobs had been recovered since late 2024, while provincial economic growth improved from 1.1% in 2024 to 1.8% in 2025 and an annualised 2.0% during the first quarter of 2026.

He attributed employment gains to major infrastructure projects, including the Durban Port logistics upgrade, improvements to the N3 corridor, the expansion of Dube TradePort, development of the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone, road rehabilitation, water infrastructure projects and renewable energy investments.

The Premier also pointed to improvements in public safety, saying key crime categories, including murder, attempted murder, sexual offences, aggravated robbery, carjacking and residential burglary, had declined.

“These are not just numbers. These are families sleeping easier at night,” he said.

To strengthen coordinated governance, Ntuli announced that six provincial councils chaired by the Premier have now been fully operationalised. These include the KZN Council Against Crime, the Council on Climate Change and Sustainable Development, the Provincial Council on AIDS, the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Council, the Human Resource Development Council, and the Social Cohesion and Moral Regeneration Council.

He said the Human Resource Development Council will play a key role in addressing skills shortages and aligning education and training with labour market needs. The province will work with universities, TVET colleges, community colleges and the private sector to develop skills in engineering, ICT, logistics, healthcare, artisan trades and emerging sectors, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.

Ntuli said the Office of the Premier will continue strengthening Operation Sukuma Sakhe and the District Development Model to improve integrated service delivery and public participation.

While Cabinet Izimbizo has been held in all 11 districts since October 2024, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, including inconsistent performance of some OSS War Rooms, municipal capacity constraints, and persistent service delivery backlogs in water, sanitation, roads, electricity and housing.

To address these challenges, government plans to revitalise Operation Sukuma Sakhe (OSS) War Rooms, strengthen monitoring and case management, deploy multidisciplinary support teams to struggling municipalities, improve accountability and accelerate infrastructure delivery.

The Premier also highlighted flagship programmes led by the Office of the Premier, including, among others, Engangeni Ngesango Liyafohla, which focuses on undocumented migration and its impact on public services and employment; ICHILO (deep moral taboo or disgrace), aimed at combating gender-based violence and femicide; and the Secondary Cities Initiative, designed to stimulate investment beyond the province’s major urban centres.

Preserving tradition

On the Zulu Monarchy, Ntuli said government is committed to modernising governance while preserving tradition.

He said the establishment of the Board of the Zulu Royal Household Trust will strengthen governance, protect assets and explore sustainable revenue opportunities, including agricultural ventures at the Royal Farms in Ulundi and potential property investments such as student accommodation.

Ntuli reaffirmed the Office of the Premier’s commitment to building a capable, ethical and coordinated provincial administration. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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A multidisciplinary team of seasoned detectives and crime intelligence officers has been assembled to lead the investigation into the murder of March and March Gauteng leader, Andile Mvuyiselwa Somgaxa.

The Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane announced the appointment of the team, in consultation with the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni.

Somgaxa was shot in the driveway of his home in Greenfield, Johannesburg, on 04 July 2026, and succumbed to his injuries in hospital on 09 July 2026.

Lieutenant General Dimpane has strongly condemned the attack and assured the public that SAPS will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those responsible are identified, traced and brought to justice.

“The appointment of a multidisciplinary team underscores the seriousness with which SAPS is treating this matter. We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding this murder and to ensure accountability,” said Lieutenant General Dimpane.

Meanwhile, the Acting National Commissioner has issued a stern warning to individuals and groups who continue to intimidate, harass and perpetrate violence against foreign nationals, stating that such actions are unlawful and will not be tolerated.

Lieutenant General Dimpane has welcomed the arrest of five suspects in Lephalale, Limpopo, who allegedly posed as officials from the Department of Home Affairs and unlawfully demanded the removal of foreign nationals from the Marapong township.

The incident involved a Nigerian national who was intimidated and forced to close his business after the group allegedly claimed that foreign nationals were not permitted to operate businesses in South Africa.

The Department of Home Affairs subsequently verified the individual’s documentation and confirmed that he was legally in the country and valid documentation to run his business.

“The law applies equally to everyone. No individual or group has the authority to conduct immigration inspections, verify legal status, or remove people from communities. Those responsibilities rest solely with law enforcement agencies and relevant government departments,” said Lieutenant General Dimpane.

SAPS has reminded members of the public that only authorised law enforcement officials may conduct inspections and verify the legal status of individuals within the Republic of South Africa.

Any acts of intimidation, vigilantism or violence will be dealt with decisively, said the police. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Science, Technology, and Innovation Deputy Minister Dr Nomalungelo Gina is representing South Africa at UNESCO’s 2026 Global Conference of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development which gets underway in Paris, France today.

The Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation [UNESCO] flagship Ministerial event supports the implementation of the United Nations International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024-2033), which seeks to mobilise all scientific disciplines in support of the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Its focus includes international cooperation, evidence-informed policymaking, capacity development, open and inclusive science, and stronger links between researchers, policymakers and society. 

Convened under the theme: “Science in action: Charting a sustainable and equitable future for all”, the conference brings together global leaders, Ministers and stakeholders to explore how knowledge can be translated into practical solutions for development challenges. 

Speaking ahead of the conference, Deputy Minister Gina said South Africa’s participation reaffirms the country’s commitment to using science, technology and innovation to drive inclusive growth, support development priorities and improve quality of life. 

“South Africa’s participation also seeks to strengthen the country’s engagement with UNESCO and other member states, while reinforcing our role in science diplomacy and international scientific cooperation,” said the Deputy Minister. 

South Africa further supports the principles of the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science, recognising that open, inclusive and collaborative scientific systems are essential for expanding access to knowledge, strengthening public trust in science, and accelerating innovation for sustainable development.   

These principles are reflected in the 2019 White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation, which positions science, technology and innovation as a strategic national asset for inclusive economic growth, social development and improved quality of life.

The Deputy Minister will participate in two official sessions. On Thursday, 16 July, she will participate in a high-level panel session titled: “Translating Evidence into Priorities: Bridging Evidence to Action, Focusing on Priorities and Implementation”.

The session will focus on how governments can better translate scientific evidence into policy, strategic priorities and implementation. 

On Friday, Dr Gina will participate as a discussant in the thematic session titled, “The Exposome in Action: Global Strategies for Translating Total Environmental Exposure Science into Prevention and Policy.” 

The session will examine how research on environmental exposure can be translated into effective public health interventions and evidence-based policies that prevent disease and strengthen resilience. 

The Deputy Minister said South Africa will use the platform to highlight the value of evidence-informed policymaking, open and inclusive science, international cooperation and capacity development in advancing practical, people-centred solutions to global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, food and water security, public health, and sustainable industrial development. 

“The country’s central message is that science must remain accessible, collaborative and purposefully directed towards improving the lives of people,” the Deputy Minister said. 

The conference follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s official visit to France from 10 to 12 July 2026, during which he co-chaired the UNESCO High-Level Steering Committee on Sustainable Development Goal 4 on education with UNESCO Director-General Dr Khaled El-Enany. 

The timing of these engagements provides an opportunity to further reinforce South Africa’s visibility and engagement within the UNESCO system.

The conference will conclude on Friday. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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As South Africans observe Mandela Month, communities are encouraged to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy by protecting and caring for the country’s most vulnerable citizens – its children.

With schools closed for the winter holidays, parents and guardians are being urged to remain vigilant and prioritise the safety and well-being of children both at home and online.

The school holidays provide children with an opportunity to relax, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy recreational activities. However, they also present increased risks if children are left unsupervised or exposed to unsafe environments, particularly online.

Parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s daily activities and limit the amount of time they spend on the internet. Knowing which apps, websites and online platforms children use can help protect them from cyberbullying, online exploitation and child sexual predators.

Families travelling or visiting public places during the holidays should also take practical safety precautions. Parents should agree on a designated meeting point with their children in case they become separated and teach them to seek assistance from a police officer, security official, trusted adult or someone working at a nearby shop if they get lost.

Children should also be reminded never to keep secrets from their parents or guardians, especially if they have been approached by a stranger or made to feel uncomfortable.

Authorities stress that if a child goes missing, every minute counts. There is no waiting period to report a missing child, and parents or guardians should immediately report the matter at their nearest police station.

Additional assistance is available through Crime Stop on 08600 10111, the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428, and Missing Children South Africa on 072 647 7464. Reports can also be submitted online via Missing Children South Africa.

This Mandela Month, communities are reminded that making a difference begins with simple acts of care and responsibility. By keeping children safe, remaining vigilant and supporting families, every South African can contribute to building the caring, compassionate society that Nelson Mandela envisioned. 

July is observed as Mandela Month, a global movement that honors the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela by encouraging individuals and communities to dedicate 67 minutes of service to help others. The UN-recognised Nelson Mandela International Day takes place on his birthday, 18 July. 

In his weekly newsletter, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the country must use Mandela Day to refocus efforts to tackle poverty and inequality. 

“We must sustain our investment in the education and health of our people, prioritising the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable. We must continue to direct energy and resources towards strengthening early learning in our schools and completing the overhaul of our skills development system. At the same time, we must continue to build a health care system that provides quality care to all who need it, regardless of their ability to pay. 

“The acts of service we perform this Saturday are not merely symbolic gestures, disconnected from the harder business of building institutions, driving investment, and changing systems and policies. They are part of the same effort,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Nomusa Dube-Ncube will on Thursday launch South Cape Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College’s newly established Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Centre of Excellence and Centres of Specialisation.

These faciliies represent a strategic investment in the future of technical and vocational education, aimed at equipping students with skills aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the evolving needs of the modern industrial sector.

The project is the result of collaboration between the college, government and industry, with funding provided by the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA), together with industry partners including Intel, HP, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA).

The Centres of Specialisation were developed in partnership with the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) to enhance artisan training capabilities and expand technical skills development.

According to the Higher Education and Training Department, the facilities will provide students with access to advanced equipment and technologies, while supporting curricula aligned with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) standards.

“This creates training pathways for both semi-skilled workers and unemployed youth. The hands-on approach ensures that graduates are not only qualified but also equipped to contribute meaningfully to the workforce from the outset,” the department said.

The department said beyond student training, the centres will support the continuous professional development of both students and staff, further strengthening South Cape TVET College’s position as a leading provider of quality vocational education and training. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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