The Presidency has noted various media reports on the National Dialogue that are based on incorrect or incomplete information.
In this regard, the Presidency wishes to clarify the following:
– The National Dialogue is to be an inclusive process in which all South Africans will have an opportunity to participate as individuals or through organised formations.
– The first National Convention to enable an all-inclusive process will be convened on 15 August 2025 to set the agenda for the National Dialogue. This will be followed by discussions across the country, in various sectors and on issues that citizens feel deserve national attention. These will then be grouped into agenda themes for national engagement. A second National Convention will be held in the beginning of 2026 where these discussions will be consolidated into a common national vision and implementation programme.
– The Eminent Persons Group has been appointed to champion the National Dialogue and to provide guidance to ensure that the process is inclusive and credible. It is comprised of respected individuals who have played and continue to play an important role in various areas of our national life. The Eminent Persons Group will not be responsible for the day-to-day running of activities.
– Preparations for the National Convention and other activities are currently being undertaken by a National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team made up of representatives from various foundations, civil society organisations and the Presidency. The National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team has been working for close to a year on developing the form and approach to the National Dialogue. This team will remain seized with the practical arrangements for the National Dialogue until a representative Steering Committee has been established.
– Media reports that certain foundations belonging to the stalwarts of the liberation struggle have been sidelined or overlooked are inaccurate. These foundations, together with other civil society formations that were part of the initial work, remain centrally involved in the Preparatory Task Team.
– Over the next few weeks, the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team will undertake a series of information sessions and consultations with a range of stakeholders in preparation for the first National Convention on 15 August 2025.
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya Spokesperson to the President media@presideny.gov.za
President Ramaphosa rallies Africa behind Green Hydrogen at inaugural Summit
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on African countries to seize the opportunity presented by green hydrogen as a catalyst for industrial transformation, energy security, and inclusive economic growth across the continent.
Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Africa Green Hydrogen Summit at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town on Thursday, President Ramaphosa positioned the continent as a key player in the emerging global green hydrogen economy.
“Our beloved continent Africa, the cradle of humanity, is uniquely positioned to become a major player in green hydrogen because it has abundant renewable resources manifested in high solar irradiance, strong winds and hydropower potential.
“The vast land our continent has lends itself to large-scale renewable energy projects. We are therefore perfectly placed to leverage the global shift towards cleaner energy sources for our collective advantage,” the President said.
WATCH |
Originally launched in 2022 as a South African initiative to articulate its national vision, the summit has now evolved into a continental platform to harness Africa’s green hydrogen potential.
Held under the theme: “Unlocking Africa’s Green Hydrogen Potential for Sustainable Growth”, this innovative summit convenes African energy ministers, policymakers, investors, developers, technology partners, and research institutions to shape the continent’s emerging green hydrogen sector.
President Ramaphosa noted that over 52 large-scale projects have been announced across the continent, including South Africa’s Coega Green Ammonia project, the AMAN project in Mauritania and Project Nour in Morocco.
The target, as articulated through the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance (AGHA), is to produce 30 to 60 million tons of green hydrogen annually by 2050.
It is estimated that this could create between two and four million new jobs in alliance member states by 2050.
The Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance brings together a number of African nations, including Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia and South Africa.
“To make use of these opportunities, we need to establish appropriate policy and regulatory environments. We must continue to move as a continent to develop regional certification schemes, hydrogen corridors and green product export platforms.
“We commend the work of countries like Mauritania, which has taken early steps on certification. It will be critical that we learn from one another and converge on standards that work for Africa,” the President said.
The President acknowledged the critical need for regulatory certainty, robust certification systems, and market access, stressing that investment and offtake agreements would be key to unlocking Africa’s green hydrogen future.
“We cannot close that gap with potential alone. We must match it with demand signals, regulatory certainty and project preparation support. We need to ensure that there is sufficient and growing demand. This includes building domestic demand in African countries,” the President said.
“As we explore these exciting opportunities, we must work to address the impediments to the growth of this industry,” he said.
President Ramaphosa also highlighted Germany’s continued support through the H2Global mechanism, which has allocated one of its bidding windows to Africa and praised ongoing bilateral cooperation with the EU on green hydrogen projects, including Sasol’s HySHiFT sustainable aviation fuel initiative.
The H2Global mechanism is opening its second bidding window, with one of the four lots allocated to Africa.
“The African lot, which is funded by the German government, will guarantee offtake for successful projects on the continent.
“A Joint Declaration of Intent with the German government focuses on market access, offfake opportunities and value-additive benefits in the production of green steel and green fertiliser. We commend the German government for its commitment to African supply,” the President said.
At home, South Africa is accelerating efforts to localise hydrogen production and industrial use. The country has invested R1.49 billion in its Hydrogen South Africa programme, launched new wheeling regulations, and initiated pilot projects, such as green hydrogen mobility in Sasolburg, and advanced planning for the Coega project.
President Ramaphosa acknowledged the many challenges facing the sector, including high capital costs, global investment gaps, and stiff competition from fossil fuels but urged unity and urgency in building an African-led hydrogen economy.
“Tempered by these realities, this summit must not only be a platform of ideas. It must be a platform of commitments. We must put the African voice at the centre of global energy rulemaking. We must be authors of our own future,” he said.
Africa Green Hydrogen Summit an important part of SA’s G20 vision
South Africa, which currently chairs the G20, has chosen just energy transitions as a key theme for its presidency, placing green hydrogen at the heart of its climate resilience and industrialisation agenda.
IN PICTURES | Green Hydrogen Summit
“The Africa Green Hydrogen Summit is an important part of that vision. Hydrogen is a bridge to a new export industry for African countries. It is an enabler for Africa’s energy independence and climate resilience,” he said.
More importantly, the President framed green hydrogen as more than an energy source, describing it as an “anchor for industrial transformation and infrastructure investment”.
“We are called upon to join hands to build this bridge together as Africans, as partners and as builders of a green, prosperous and inclusive future,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
Work underway to resolve challenges hampering economic growth
Government is maintaining a “razor sharp” focus on the resolution of challenges that are hampering the growth of the South African economy.
This is according to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni who delivered the post-Cabinet media statement on Thursday.
Earlier this month, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) revealed that real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) had increased marginally by some 0.1% during the first quarter of 2025, following an increase of 0.4% in the previous quarter – showing sluggish performance.
“Cabinet remains concerned about the decline in the manufacturing industry more so when government has prioritised boosting local manufacturing and thus Cabinet awaits the finalisation of the revised industrial policy.
“Government understands the impact of the challenges within the freight and logistics [sector] that continues to impact the growth of the mining industry which also experienced a decline. We are maintaining razor sharp focus on the work of Operation Vulindlela Phase Two and [the] Government-Business Partnership in urgently resolving the logistics challenges that are hampering the economic growth of this country,” she said at the briefing held in Cape Town.
The Minister added that Cabinet welcomes the National Assembly’s approval of the 2025 Fiscal Framework – known as the budget – that is geared at stepping up spending on infrastructure investment to R1 trillion over the medium term.
In the same vein, Cabinet noted reports which have raised concern about Statistics South Africa’s (Stats SA) Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) related to the informal sector.
“The [QLFS] collects data on the labour market activities of individuals aged 15 years and older on a quarterly basis. Furthermore, Stats SA produces a comprehensive report every four years which includes a dedicated module for the survey of employers and self-employed.
“This survey aims to provide in-depth insights into the characteristics and operations of the informal sector businesses in South Africa. Cabinet has been discussing the option of either a quarterly or annual [survey]…however, Stats SA would require access to a business register of informal businesses which is currently absent.
“We previously announced that Cabinet approved the National Business Licensing Policy which will enable a standardisation of licensing of informal businesses…over a period of time of its implementation, the Department of Small Business Development should be able to create a reliable register of informal businesses that will improve the ability of Stats SA to draw reliable data for the QLFS,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
Zimbabwe is making significant progress in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within its poultry sector, thanks to a collaborative effort between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Zimbabwe. Through a Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) supported project and the Fleming Fund global project, the initiative has successfully reduced the overuse of antimicrobials in the broiler value chain by empowering farmers with sustainable and biosecure poultry production practices.
Antimicrobial resistance poses a serious threat to global health, food security, and economic stability. The overuse of antimicrobials in livestock production contributes significantly to this problem, leading to the development of resistant bacteria that can spread to humans, making infections harder to treat.
The project, implemented in eight districts – Bubi, Chegutu, Masvingo, Marondera, Murewa, Mutare, Mutasa, and Zvimba – employed the Farmer Field School (FFS) approach to promote improved husbandry practices. This hands-on, participatory method equips farmers with the knowledge and skills to enhance biosecurity, prevent diseases, and ultimately reduce their reliance on antimicrobials.
Speaking at a recent project review meeting, Berhanu Bedane, FAO Livestock Development Officer, emphasized the project’s impact. “This initiative has demonstrated the value and impact of the One Health approach, where sectors across human and animal health collaborated to address the shared threat of antimicrobial resistance,” he stated. He highlighted that FAO’s focus was on delivering practical, evidence-based interventions directly to the animal health sector.
The FFS model proved instrumental in achieving these goals. By providing farmers with tailored training and communication materials, the project fostered a deeper understanding of disease prevention and the importance of responsible use of antimicrobials. A baseline Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey informed the development of these materials, ensuring they were relevant and effective.
“The farmer field schools have been empowering poultry farmers through hands-on training in sustainable and biosecure poultry production,” Bedane explained. “This enhances poultry productivity while simultaneously reducing the use of antimicrobials through the reduction of infections, making our health more secure and sustainable.” He also noted similar initiatives in the dairy value chain aimed at understanding and reducing antimicrobial use through prudent biosecurity and animal health management systems.
The Chief Director of the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), Dr Pious Makaya echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the project’s alignment with Zimbabwe’s national development priorities, as outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the broader Vision 2030. “What we have heard today is in sync with the national development imperatives that we have,” he said.
He specifically highlighted the project’s contribution to key national priorities such as health and well-being, food security, and food safety. “Our health would be enhanced and improved, and also the health of the animals as well, the health of the environment as well would also be improved,” he stated, adding that enhanced animal health improves livestock production and promotes food safety.
The DVS Chief Director recognized the complexity of tackling AMR, describing it as a “wicked problem” requiring multifaceted solutions. “We cannot have one single solution. It is not a linear problem,” he emphasized, underscoring the importance of the multi-sectoral approach adopted by the MPTF and Fleming fund projects. He also stressed the need for continuous review and adaptation of strategies to keep pace with the evolving nature of AMR.
Looking ahead, both FAO and the Government of Zimbabwe reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining momentum in the fight against AMR. Berhanu Bedane stated that FAO and its partners in the Quadripartite are fully committed to maintaining momentum. He also pointed towards consolidating the achievements realized and identifying clear pathways for continued collaboration in the implementation of Zimbabwe’s AMR National Action Plan 2.0. The country is also being considered for a phase two of the MPTF project.
The success of this collaborative initiative demonstrates the power of partnerships and the effectiveness of empowering farmers with knowledge and tools to adopt sustainable practices. These achievements also contribute to broader global goals under the RENOFARM initiative (Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials on Farms), which promotes reduced antimicrobial reliance through strengthened biosecurity, preventive animal health strategies, and improved farming practices. By reducing the reliance on antimicrobials in livestock production, Zimbabwe is taking a crucial step toward safeguarding public health, promoting food security, and protecting the environment for future generations.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.
Energy major ExxonMobil, alongside partners TotalEnergies (operator), Equinor, Azule Energy and Sonangol – has signed a production sharing contract (PSC) extension for Block 17, situated offshore Angola. Securing the long-term future of one of the country’s most productive oil assets, the extension marks a major milestone in Angola’s efforts to sustain oil production above one million barrels per day.
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – serving as the voice of Africa’s energy sector – fully supports this extension as a vital move to unlock continued value from legacy assets and stimulate reinvestment in mature fields. By extending the license of mature assets, reinvesting in producing blocks and eyeing new opportunities offshore Angola, major operators stand to accelerate the country’s oil and gas growth while unlocking greater returns in deepwater basins.
Block 17 is one of Angola’s most prolific and strategically important offshore assets. Home to world-class developments such as Dalia and CLOV, the block has been a cornerstone of Angola’s oil output for over two decades. The extension of the PSC ensures that existing infrastructure and expertise continue to generate value for Angola, reinforcing the significance of mature fields in driving production and attracting investment.
The AEC sees this agreement as a clear commitment by ExxonMobil and its partners to maximizing existing resources while deploying advanced technologies to enhance recovery. Under the leadership of Katrina Fisher, Managing Director of ExxonMobil Angola, the company has demonstrated a forward-looking approach, aligning with national priorities to maintain and increase oil production. Projects like CLOV and Dalia highlight how mature assets, when paired with innovation and strategic investment, can remain competitive. Meanwhile, beyond Block 17, ExxonMobil’s work in the Namibe Basin, including frontier exploration across Blocks 30, 44 and 45, illustrates a dual-track strategy of sustaining mature fields while pursuing new discoveries. This balanced approach strengthens Angola’s upstream landscape and ensures resilience amid global energy transitions.
As such, the AEC also applauds the collaborative nature of the PSC extension. TotalEnergies, as operator of Block 17, has built a legacy of operational excellence alongside ExxonMobil and other major stakeholders. Such cooperation between international oil companies and Angola’s government entities is essential for long-term sectoral growth and investment stability. Chevron’s recent signing of risk service contracts for ultra-deepwater Blocks 29 and 50 further underscores the sustained confidence global energy majors place in Angola’s hydrocarbon potential. These developments, combined with ExxonMobil’s Block 17 extension, signal a broader trend: mature fields are not in decline – they are being revitalized.
“As ExxonMobil continues to lead on legacy asset optimization and frontier exploration, the AEC stands firmly in support of this agreement extension. It is a critical step in reinforcing Angola’s position as a top-tier African oil producer and ensuring continued economic benefit for its people,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC. “The AEC remains dedicated to championing policies and partnerships that enable energy independence, maximize resource value and foster inclusive development across the African continent.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
The U.S. Embassy in Madagascar is proud to launch the English Language Teacher Training program, which brings together over 100 teachers nationwide to strengthen the quality of instruction, introduce innovative teaching methods, and foster collaboration among educators. Funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented in partnership with the English Language Teachers Association (ELTA) of Madagascar, this two-day training — centered on the theme Empowering Teacher Educators through Innovative Teaching and Leadership — features a dynamic blend of hands-on workshops, focus group discussions, and expert-led presentations grounded in best practices in English language teaching.
Participants will engage with leading experts from the U.S., Madagascar, and beyond — including U.S. English Language Specialists, the Regional English Language Officer, English Language Fellows from Southern Africa, and representatives from ELTA Africa, ELTA Madagascar, and the TESOL International Association.
The U.S. Ambassador to Madagascar delivered a keynote address highlighting the vital role of English teachers in shaping future generations and emphasized the importance of quality education as a foundation for lasting growth and opportunity.
This program builds on the U.S. Embassy’s longstanding commitment to advancing the professional development of English educators throughout Madagascar. Since 2019, the U.S. Government has provided high-quality training and capacity-building opportunities to over 3,000 English educators nationwide — enhancing teaching methodologies, promoting student-centered learning, and expanding access to resources in schools, universities, and community-based learning spaces such as English clubs and teacher associations.
The Embassy is also proud to support this milestone event as a continuation of its investment in English language education—most notably, the creation of ELTA Madagascar in July 2024. The establishment of this national association of English teachers is a direct result of the Embassy’s sustained engagement, including a series of targeted professional development initiatives. Through this training, the Embassy aims to sustain the momentum by helping ELTA Madagascar expand its membership, strengthen its presence in all regions of the country, and develop robust, teacher-led programming.
Through continued collaboration with local education leaders and institutions, the U.S. Embassy remains dedicated to advancing excellence in English teaching—helping build a future where both teachers and students can thrive, connect, and unlock new opportunities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Madagascar.
La Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) a organisé un atelier de renforcement des capacités sur les procédures de décaissement, à l’intention du personnel financier des cellules d’exécution de l’ensemble de ses projets en République démocratique du Congo (RDC).
L’atelier, qui s’est tenu les 26 et 27 mai 2025 à Kinshasa, a été initiée par la Division des décaissements, en collaboration avec le bureau pays du Groupe de la Banque en RDC. Parmi les participants figuraient les coordonnateurs de projets, les responsables administratifs et financiers, les comptables ainsi que le personnel chargé du portefeuille de la Banque au sein de la Cellule de suivi des projets et programmes (CSPP) qui est logé au ministère congolais des Finances. Le contenu de la formation en quatre modules comprenait entre autres : les politiques et procédures de décaissement de la Banque, les différentes méthodes de décaissement, les outils et rapports afférents, ainsi qu’un quizz final pour s’assurer que les participants ont assimilé les différentes connaissances.
L’objectif de la formation était de parvenir à la réduction significative des délais de traitement des factures par les cellules d’exécution, à la réduction drastique du taux de rejet des demandes de paiement, et à l’amélioration de la qualité des demandes transmises à la Banque, a expliqué Alfred Eby, chargé principal des décaissements et animateur de la formation. La formation a permis aux participants d’acquérir les compétences nécessaires pour effectuer les vérifications essentielles à leur niveau. « Cet atelier a été un franc succès, avec un taux de réussite au test d’aptitude de 60 % », s’est félicité M. Eby.
Pour les participants, cette formation a permis d’éclaircir des zones jusque-là mal maîtrisées des procédures de décaissement, ouvrant de nouvelles perspectives opérationnelles. « Les principes généraux de la politique de la Banque en matière de décaissement me paraissaient complexes. Grâce à cet atelier, tout est devenu plus clair. Chez nous, la méthode de décaissement utilisée est le paiement direct, mais cette formation nous a fait découvrir d’autres approches de décaissement et de remboursement qui constituent un réel atout », a témoigné Alexis Sangui Matanda, coordonnateur de la deuxième phase du Projet prioritaire de sécurité aérienne (PPSA II) en RDC.
Text Box 16, TextboxZawadi Muké, responsable administrative et financière à la Cellule des infrastructures, qui gère plusieurs projets dont trois financés par la Banque en RDC, a souligné que « cette formation a permis d’identifier des pistes d’amélioration dans le traitement des dossiers de paiement, avec la perspective de réduire considérablement les délais de traitement ».
L’amélioration du taux de décaissement est un indicateur de performance du projet. Et l’impact de l’atelier sera mesuré à la fin du trimestre à venir avec une nouvelle analyse des performances de décaissement qui seront enregistrées sur les projets financés par la Banque, ont souligné les organisateurs.
En marge de l’atelier de formation, le personnel en charge de la gestion financière et comptable de tous les projets actifs en RDC a aussi bénéficié d’une formation sur les processus de clôture des prêts en prévision de la clôture en 2025 de certains projets du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement en RDC.
À l’issue de la formation, les participants ont reçu des certificats, attestant de leur aptitude à gérer les processus de décaissement des projets financés par le Groupe de la Banque en RDC.
Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Contact médias :
Solange Kamuanga-Tossou
Chargée principale de la communication
Région de l’Afrique centrale
Banque africaine de développement
Email : media@afdb.org
À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement :
Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement est la principale institution de financement du développement en Afrique. Il comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). Représentée dans 41 pays africains, avec un bureau extérieur au Japon, la Banque contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54 États membres régionaux.
O Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org) organizou um workshop de reforço de capacidades sobre procedimentos de desembolso, destinado ao pessoal financeiro das células de execução de todos os seus projetos na República Democrática do Congo (RDC).
O workshop, que decorreu nos dias 26 e 27 de maio de 2025 em Kinshasa, foi iniciado pela Divisão de Desembolsos, em colaboração com o escritório nacional do Grupo Banco na RDC. Entre os participantes estavam coordenadores de projetos, responsáveis administrativos e financeiros, contabilistas e responsáveis pela carteira do Banco na Unidade de Acompanhamento de Projetos e Programas (CSPP), sediada no Ministério das Finanças congolês. O conteúdo da formação, dividido em quatro módulos, incluiu, entre outros, as políticas e procedimentos de desembolso do Banco, os diferentes métodos de desembolso e as ferramentas e relatórios relacionados, bem como um questionário final para garantir que os participantes assimilaram os diferentes conhecimentos.
O objetivo da formação era conseguir uma redução significativa dos prazos de processamento das faturas pelas células de execução, uma redução drástica da taxa de rejeição dos pedidos de pagamento e a melhoria da qualidade dos pedidos transmitidos ao Banco, explicou Alfred Eby, responsável principal pelos desembolsos e formador. A formação permitiu aos participantes adquirir as competências necessárias para realizar as verificações essenciais ao seu nível. “Este workshop foi um grande sucesso, com uma taxa de aprovação no teste de aptidão de 60%”, afirmou Eby.
Para os participantes, esta formação permitiu esclarecer áreas até então mal compreendidas dos procedimentos de desembolso, abrindo novas perspetivas operacionais. “Os princípios gerais da política do Banco em matéria de desembolso pareciam-me complexos. Graças a este workshop, tudo ficou mais claro. No nosso país, o método de desembolso utilizado é o pagamento direto, mas esta formação permitiu-nos descobrir outras abordagens de desembolso e reembolso que constituem uma verdadeira mais-valia”, testemunhou Alexis Sangui Matanda, coordenador da segunda fase do Projeto Prioritário de Segurança Aérea (PPSA II) na RDC.
Zawadi Muké, responsável administrativa e financeira da Unidade de Infraestruturas, que gere vários projetos, incluindo três financiados pelo Banco na RDC, salientou que “esta formação permitiu identificar áreas de melhoria no tratamento dos processos de pagamento, com a perspetiva de reduzir consideravelmente os prazos de tratamento”.
A melhoria da taxa de desembolso é um indicador do desempenho do projeto. E o impacto do workshop será medido no final do próximo trimestre, com uma nova análise do desempenho dos desembolsos que serão registados nos projetos financiados pelo Banco, salientaram os organizadores.
À margem do workshop de formação, o pessoal responsável pela gestão financeira e contabilística de todos os projetos ativos na RDC também recebeu formação sobre os processos de finalização de empréstimos, antecipando a conclusão, em 2025, de alguns projetos do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento na RDC.
No final da formação, os participantes receberam certificados que atestam a sua aptidão para gerir os processos de desembolso dos projetos financiados pelo Grupo Banco na RDC.
Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Contato para os media:
Solange Kamuanga-Tossou
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas media@afdb.org
Sobre o Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros.
Cabinet has welcomed the swift response by the Department of Agriculture following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) that has affected KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.
“Despite the warnings that were issued, FMD was imported into Gauteng as people continued to move livestock to the province of Gauteng,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday in Cape Town.
The department has ordered over 900 000 doses of vaccines, with the first batch expected to arrive soon.
“All infected properties are placed under quarantine. No movement is allowed into, out of, or through these areas or farms.
“Large areas, where individuals cannot be served with quarantine notices, are declared Disease Management Areas, and the same restrictions apply.
In addition, plans are underway to establish a biosecurity council that will bring together the South African Police Service (SAPS), veterinarians, scientists, the Border Management Authority and captains of industry to better respond to future outbreaks and manage the related risks,” Ntshavheni said.
She was addressing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 11 June 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
Cabinet has assured South Africans that government, through the Department of Health, is closely monitoring the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, known as Nimbus or NB.1.8.1.
“Cabinet calls on all citizens to ensure good hygiene practices, including avoiding unnecessary hand shaking, washing hands with soap, covering the mouth when coughing, using a mask when one has flu and staying home when one is not feeling well,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday, in Cape Town.
This as the virus is associated with a rise in cases in certain regions of Asia.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we demonstrated that through these simple measures we could reduce the spread of respiratory illness.”
The Minister was briefing members of the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 11 June 2025.
According to Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, South Africa has robust surveillance systems that is managed by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).
The NICD manages a comprehensive sentinel surveillance programme that systematically tests for key respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV. Currently, data show very low SARS-CoV-2 activity. –SAnews.gov.za
