MIL Africa Engine

Source: Government of South Africa

By Kenny Morolong

In June this year, South Africa marked 70 years since the adoption of the Freedom Charter on 26 June 1955 by the Congress of the people. On that day, brave patriots assembled in a multiracial convention in Kliptown and adopted a document that remains the cornerstone to the founding of our Constitution and democracy. 

To this day the Freedom Charter remains a concrete expression of the will and determination of the people. The values and core principles of the Freedom Charter have been incorporated into the Constitution which guides the National Development Plan, the blueprint for a society where all can flourish. The Constitution also informs the implementation of the Medium-Term Development Plan 2024-2029, which seeks to advance an all-inclusive democracy, where all have equal opportunities to a better life.

This year’s anniversary was held under the theme “70 Years of the Freedom Charter: Youth Upholding the Constitution” and coincided with the commemoration of Youth Month. The theme reinforced the importance of the youth in taking the lead in addressing pressing challenges facing our country and ensuring that our constitutional democracy lives up to the principles as espoused in the Freedom Charter. Together we must ensure that we live by its values as we work for a better life for all our people.

The 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter was an opportunity to celebrate the strides we have made in building our democracy based on the Constitution. Since 1994 we have worked to undo the many evils of the past. Over the years Parliament passed legislation to support our democracy and to ensure that all people are treated justly and fairly.

It also repealed several laws that sought to denigrate black people and replaced them with those that reflect the values of our new democratic dispensation. We should never forget that the apartheid government was systematic in their approach, passing law after law intended to restrict the freedoms and aspirations of black people.

The Population Registration Act of 1950 formalised racial classification and introduced an identity card for all persons over the age of eighteen, specifying their racial group. The infamous Group Areas Act of 1950 decreed that only people of the same race could live side by side.

Things that we now consider normal such as marrying the love of your life were banned under the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act of 1949, which prohibited marriage between persons of different races.

Simple daily activities such as boarding a bus to go to the park, or the beach were banned under the Reservation of Separate Amenities Act of 1953, which reserved most public amenities for a particular race. In 1953, the Bantu Education Act was also passed, which crafted a separate and unequal system of education for African students, which aimed to limit their educational opportunities and reinforce apartheid policies.

All these laws have been replaced and today we live in a country where all are equal before the law. No one can be discriminated against because of race, culture, language, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other ground.

Furthermore, Chapter 9 institutions continue to function without fear or favour to safeguard our democracy and ensure that organs of state are held to account for their actions or inactions. Alongside Chapter 9 institutions, we have the separation of powers which allows each branch of government – the executive, the legislature and the judiciary – to scrutinise the acts of another branch to prevent one branch from acting unilaterally.

Over our 31-years of democracy, we have also transformed the lives of people through the provision of basic services such as improving access to education, healthcare, houses, water, electricity, roads, social protection initiatives and wage increases. These successes are reflected in both the 30 Year Review Report and Census 2022. Both of these paints a picture of a society on the move and reflect improvements across most indicators.

Although we have made progress, we are mindful that we must do more to substantially transform our nation and the economy. We are committed to speeding up transformation across society by strengthening partnerships with civil society to ensure that we address the many challenges faced by the most vulnerable including the youth in our country.

All of these changes and milestones are a testament that we have a lot to be grateful for as we mark 70 years since the adoption of the Freedom Charter. South Africans from all races are encouraged to reflect on the 70th Anniversary of the Freedom Charter and find ways to build on the gains we have made to improve the lives of people.

*Kenny Morolong is the Deputy Minister in the Presidency

Source: Government of South Africa

Following intelligence indicating that a group of inmates at Baviaanspoort Correctional Centre were in possession of mobile phones and actively scamming members of the public, the National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, led a specialised team in a targeted operation.

The raid at the weekend resulted in the confiscation of several mobile phones and other contraband items. Investigations revealed that inmates had created sophisticated hideout spots within their cells to conceal these devices.

“What is most alarming is that these illicit activities were carried out in broad daylight, raising serious concerns about lapses in vigilance and continuous monitoring by officials. 

“This glaring security breach has prompted the National Commissioner to demand a full report from the centre’s management, explaining how such activities could have occurred under their watch,” the Department of Correctional Services said in a statement

As part of immediate corrective action, all identified inmates involved in the scams have been transferred to the maximum-security unit (C-Max) at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre.

Forensic analysis will be conducted on the confiscated mobile phones to trace the extent of the scam and assist in any further legal processes, the department said.

Thobakgale has directed Baviaanspoort Management to urgently develop and submit a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing operational weaknesses and preventing the smuggling of illegal items into the facility. 

He has also called for a thorough investigation into the matter.

The department reiterates that ongoing raids are part of a broader campaign to rid correctional centres of contraband and eliminate criminal networks operating from within. 

“While removing illegal items is a key focus, equal attention is being given to preventing their entry in the first place. Any official found to be complicit in smuggling will face the full might of the law, with no leniency afforded.

“Correctional Services remains firm in its commitment to maintaining safe, secure and corruption free facilities,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom has announced that Unit 4 of the Medupi Power Station has been successfully returned to service, adding 800MW to the national grid. 

This milestone strengthens South Africa’s energy security and enhances the stability of electricity supply. 

“The unit’s return follows extensive repairs, completed eight months ahead of the original schedule, made possible by the innovative use of a refurbished Generator Stator, an alternative to waiting for a brand-new component. 

“The unit had been out of service since 8 August 2021 after sustaining significant damage from the explosion of its Generator Stator, a key component in the operation of the generation unit,” said Eskom in a statement. 

As part of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan, Eskom’s engineering teams implemented strategic measures to cost effectively fast-track the unit’s return. 

To avoid the costly delays associated with the lengthy delivery time of a new Generator Stator, Eskom sourced a used stator from the Netherlands as an interim solution, enabling the early return to service of Medupi Unit 4. 

With the return of Unit 4, all six units at Medupi are now operational and will contribute a combined capacity of 4 800MW to the national grid once the unit reaches full output in the coming weeks. 

Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, said “The return of Medupi Unit 4 marks a major milestone in our strategic objective of achieving operational stability through the addition of 2 500MW to the grid and Eskom remains committed to its Operational Excellence Programme, which focuses on restoring performance, strengthening oversight, and ensuring accountability from service providers.”

He said the development once again reflected the progress of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan, which is central to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the broader economy. T

“This achievement moves us closer to consistently overcoming load shedding, which is now largely behind us due to structural improvements in the generation fleet, as we continue to build a more reliable, resilient, and sustainable power system,” said Marokane. 

Eskom Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo, said: “Eskom applauds the Medupi team, support staff, and all execution partners for their dedication and professionalism, including the daunting task of safely transporting the 400-tonne Generator Stator approximately 1 000km by road from Richards Bay to the power station, a feat accomplished by Eskom Rotek Industries. 

“Their achievement serves as a motivation for our teams as we advance our recovery efforts. We are confident that, like the other units, Unit 4 will deliver stable electricity to the national grid, enhancing South Africa’s energy security.”

Medupi Power Station, located in Lephalale in Limpopo, holds the distinction of being one of the world’s largest dry-cooled, coal-fired power plant. 

As one of the newest additions to Eskom’s fleet, Medupi features advanced supercritical technology that allows it to operate at higher temperatures, improving efficiency while reducing both coal and water consumption, an essential advantage in a water-scarce region. 

The station is designed to recycle and reuse all water involved in the power generation process on-site. It is also equipped with low nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) burners to minimise NOₓ emissions. 

Additionally, Medupi has been designed to accommodate future installation of flue gas desulphurisation technology, which will cut sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions by more than 90%, further enhancing its environmental performance. 

Medupi continues to play a vital role in supporting South Africa’s economic growth and development. During its construction, Eskom invested over R2.9 billion in socio-economic development initiatives aimed at addressing urgent needs within local communities. 

Since its inception, more than R145 million has been allocated to corporate social investment programmes, benefiting over 80 000 people, with a strong focus on rural development, education, and healthcare infrastructure. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, July 7, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL) has joined the nation in mourning former Deputy President David Mabuza.

“On behalf of the collective institution of traditional and Khoi-San leadership, the House expresses its deep sorrow at the loss of former Deputy President Mabuza, who passed away following a short illness.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mrs Mabuza, the children, and the people of Mpumalanga during this time of grief,” said a statement issued by the NKTKL chairperson, Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo. 

Mabuza passed away on Thursday, 3 July, at the age of 64, following a brief illness.

The House worked closely with Mabuza during his time as chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team on Traditional Leadership.

The task team was established to respond to issues raised by traditional and Khoi-San leaders. 

The ongoing discussions between government and traditional leaders are focused on addressing the development issues faced by traditional communities, including the concerns of traditional and Khoi-San leaders.

Throughout his public service, the NHTKL noted that  Mabuza had consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing the relationship between government and traditional leadership.

“He promoted meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and mutual respect, leaving a lasting legacy of unity and cooperation.” 

From his early role as MEC for Agriculture to becoming Premier of Mpumalanga and later Deputy President, traditional leaders noted that he consistently prioritised engagement with traditional leaders across the country.

“We hold his family, friends, and the people of Mpumalanga in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace,” the House said. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the late former Deputy President will be honoured with a State Funeral Category 2 on Saturday, 12 July 2025.

According to the State, Official, and Provincial Official Funeral Policy Manual of The Presidency, a State Funeral Category 2 is designated for the Deputy President of the Republic, the Acting President, and former Deputy Presidents. 

This category of funeral includes the prescribed military ceremonial honours.

As preparations are underway, President Ramaphosa has declared that a period of National Mourning will be observed from today, Monday, 7 July, until the evening of Saturday, 12 July. 

The late former Deputy President is expected to be laid to rest in his hometown in Mpumalanga. – SAnews.gov.za