Warships as Diplomats: How the South African Navy Is Tasked With Building Ties With Other Nations
The presence of a warship can be the most tangible and visible sign of bilateral and multilateral friendships.
Cabinet Ministers
Lesotho Workers Condemn Denial of Healthcare to Basotho in South Africa
Lesotho cabinet ministers to engage with SA counterparts over the issue
NPA dismisses ‘fake news’ on alleged executive interference
NPA dismisses 'fake news' on alleged executive interference
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has dismissed the allegations of executive interference in its work.
This after a Sunday news report alleged that two Cabinet Ministers had instructed the prosecutorial body to bring charges against Deputy President, Paul Mashatile.
The story titled “Mashatile warned of elaborate plot to charge him with perjury", was published in the Sunday World newspaper, on Sunday, 30 March 2025.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the NPA labelled the story as “fake news” derived from a doctored WhatsApp conversation.
“The NPA rejects the article published in the Sunday World and warns against fake news and political smear campaigns. The story is based on a clearly fake WhatsApp conversation purported to be between the NPA’s Director of Public Prosecutions: North West, Dr Rachel Makhari and two Cabinet Ministers, who are not mentioned in the story.
“The article fails to adhere to basic journalistic principles of quality control and verification. The NPA is on record about the status of this matter, which has also been communicated in the media. The NDPP has full confidence in the integrity and independence of Advocate Makhari,” the NPA said.
The prosecutorial body insists that it discharges its mandate “without fear, favour or prejudice”.
“The current leadership of the NPA is on record to confirm that it has never been subjected to any executive interference in the discharge of its prosecutorial mandate, and this remains the position. The current leadership is beholden only to the constitutional mandate of the NPA and serves only the people of South Arica.
“The NPA is submitting a formal complaint to the editor of Sunday World as we believe that the journalist concerned conducted himself in an unethical and unprofessional manner and sought to tarnish the image of the NPA, the official concerned, and the Ministers concerned. The NPA will also lodge a formal complaint with the Press Ombud,” the NPA said.
Other law enforcement departments will be engaged to “explore options relating to potential criminal conduct”.
“The rule of law is under attack at multiple levels. We should not forget the painful lessons from the State Capture era, where our country was brought to its knees by those using every possible avenue, including the media, to try to destroy our institutions.
“We should remain vigilant to protect the gains we have made to ensure that the rule of law once again lights our path towards a prosperous and equitable future. The NPA will not be deterred by fake news attacks, driven by various agendas, including political,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 03/31/2025 - 09:44
171 views
NPA dismisses ‘fake news’ on alleged executive interfernce
NPA dismisses 'fake news' on alleged executive interfernce
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has dismissed the allegations of executive interference in its work.
This after a Sunday news report alleged that two Cabinet Ministers had instructed the prosecutorial body to bring charges against Deputy President, Paul Mashatile.
The story titled “Mashatile warned of elaborate plot to charge him with perjury", was published in the Sunday World newspaper, on Sunday, 30 March 2025.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the NPA labelled the story as “fake news” derived from a doctored WhatsApp conversation.
“The NPA rejects the article published in the Sunday World and warns against fake news and political smear campaigns. The story is based on a clearly fake WhatsApp conversation purported to be between the NPA’s Director of Public Prosecutions: North West, Dr Rachel Makhari and two Cabinet Ministers, who are not mentioned in the story.
“The article fails to adhere to basic journalistic principles of quality control and verification. The NPA is on record about the status of this matter, which has also been communicated in the media. The NDPP has full confidence in the integrity and independence of Advocate Makhari,” the NPA said.
The prosecutorial body insists that it discharges its mandate “without fear, favour or prejudice”.
“The current leadership of the NPA is on record to confirm that it has never been subjected to any executive interference in the discharge of its prosecutorial mandate, and this remains the position. The current leadership is beholden only to the constitutional mandate of the NPA and serves only the people of South Arica.
“The NPA is submitting a formal complaint to the editor of Sunday World as we believe that the journalist concerned conducted himself in an unethical and unprofessional manner and sought to tarnish the image of the NPA, the official concerned, and the Ministers concerned. The NPA will also lodge a formal complaint with the Press Ombud,” the NPA said.
Other law enforcement departments will be engaged to “explore options relating to potential criminal conduct”.
“The rule of law is under attack at multiple levels. We should not forget the painful lessons from the State Capture era, where our country was brought to its knees by those using every possible avenue, including the media, to try to destroy our institutions.
“We should remain vigilant to protect the gains we have made to ensure that the rule of law once again lights our path towards a prosperous and equitable future. The NPA will not be deterred by fake news attacks, driven by various agendas, including political,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 03/31/2025 - 09:44
89 views
Minister refutes claims of interference in NPA’s work
Minister refutes claims of interference in NPA's work
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has opened a criminal case to investigate a fabricated WhatsApp conversation falsely linking her to prosecutorial decisions at the National Prosecuting Authority.
This after a Sunday news report alleged that two Cabinet Ministers had instructed the National Prosecuting Authority to bring charges against Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
The Minister opened a case of fraud, impersonation and obstruction of justice at the Brooklyn Police Station in Tshwane on Sunday evening.
“I’ve [opened a case] because it’s important for us to protect [democratic] institutions and that are implementing our justice system. One of the critical institutions that must be protected for its independence is the NPA.
“We have seen previously how the issues of state capture have compromised our institutions to the point of collapse. I’m one of those that has committed that we will rebuild our institutions and that we allow them to function without fear or favour.
“That’s why it’s important for me to open this case because we cannot allow where, in the public domain, an impression is given that these institutions are compromised to the point that they cannot do their work,” she said.
The Minister emphasised that the “law must take its course in all aspects”.
“No one must be above the law. But most importantly, no one – including myself – must interfere with law institutions or any institutions that must do their work.
“We will not have political interference of any sort in the work of the NPA. I reassure South Africans of my commitment to fulfil my obligation and to abide by my oath of office,” Kubayi said.
The NPA has also rejected the news story – calling it “fake news” and reaffirmed its commitment to executing its mandate without fear, favour or prejudice.
“The current leadership of the NPA is on record to confirm that it has never been subjected to any executive interference in the discharge of its prosecutorial mandate, and this remains the position. The current leadership is beholden only to the constitutional mandate of the NPA and serves only the people of South Arica,” the prosecutorial body said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 03/31/2025 - 09:47
24 views
President Ramaphosa to engage Gauteng on developmental priorities
President Ramaphosa to engage Gauteng on developmental priorities
President Cyril Ramaphosa and the National Cabinet will on Thursday visit the Gauteng Executive Council and the City of Johannesburg, said the Gauteng Provincial Government.
The two-day visit beginning on Thursday is aimed at engaging with the province on its strategic development priorities.
“This meeting is part of the President’s engagement with all provinces to ensure alignment on the 7th Administration’s Medium Term Development Plan.
“The Premier and Members of the Executive Council (MECs) will use the visit to update the President and Ministers on the plans of the Gauteng Provincial Government to improve service delivery in the province,” the provincial government said on Sunday.
To date, the President and his Cabinet Ministers have visited KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. -SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 03/02/2025 - 15:24
371 views
SA, EU to co-chair Ministerial Political Dialogue
SA, EU to co-chair Ministerial Political Dialogue
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, will co-chair the 16th Ministerial Political Dialogue between South Africa and the European Union (EU) on Wednesday, 19 February 2025, in Cape Town.
Lamola will be joined by Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission.
Lamola will also be accompanied by various Cabinet Ministers from South Africa.
“South Africa and the EU enjoy a strategic relationship characterised by multi-dimensional bilateral cooperation, which is long-standing and mutually beneficial,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIrCO) said in a statement.
Diplomatic relations between South Africa and the EU were officially established in December 1993, just before the onset of South Africa's new democratic era.
In 1999, the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA) was established to create a framework for strengthening and diversifying bilateral cooperation.
This has been achieved through enhanced political dialogue, collaboration in trade and trade-related areas, economic cooperation, technical assistance and development cooperation.
“The TDCA also established a political dialogue between South Africa and the EU at the Ministerial level, serving as a mechanism to review progress on various areas of bilateral cooperation and discuss enhancing cooperation on regional and global developments of mutual interest.”
To date, the department has reported that seven summit meetings have taken place since 2007, with the next one scheduled for 13 March 2025.
The 16th MPD meeting is therefore well-timed to prepare for the upcoming eighth summit meeting, which will be hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 02/16/2025 - 13:41
56 views
E Cape leadership on back-to-school drive
E Cape leadership on back-to-school drive
The Eastern Cape Executive Council (EXCO) members, led by Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, will join forces with Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers on a week-long Back-to-School Outreach Programme across the province.
The provincial Back-to-School Outreach Programme is an annual campaign, designed to ensure all learners have opportunities to become productive, responsible and competitive citizens, through an inclusive quality basic education system.
The initiative aims to promote education, support learners, and engage with local communities.
It also seeks to mobilise community and stakeholder support, recognising education as a societal matter.
“Building on previous successes, where school visits led to improved teaching and learning outcomes, this campaign will see EXCO members, Ministers and Deputy Ministers interact with learners, teachers and parents.
“They will provide support through the donation of educational materials, infrastructure development and mentorship programmes. The delegation will also engage with local communities, listening to concerns and suggestions on improving education,” the Eastern Cape Provincial Government said in a statement.
The outreach programme is scheduled to take place from 21 - 24 January 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 01/21/2025 - 09:29
33 views
President Ramaphosa to lead SA delegation to China for State Visit
President Ramaphosa to lead SA delegation to China for State Visit
President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a State Visit to the People’s Republic of China this week where he will also participate at the Forum on China – Africa Cooperation Summit (FOCAC).
The State Visit, which comes at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and the FOCAC Summit will take place in Beijing from 2 - 5 September 2024.
President Ramaphosa is expected to be flanked by Cabinet Ministers from portfolios including International Relations and Cooperation; Science, Technology and Innovation; Human Settlements; Small Business Development; Presidency; Trade, Industry and Competition; Electricity and Energy; Public Works and Infrastructure; Higher Education and Agriculture.
The delegation will also include the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane and Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba as well as senior government officials.
President Ramaphosa hosted President Xi Jinping on his fourth State Visit to South Africa in August 2023 in Tshwane, cementing 25 years of strong bonds of friendship and cooperation the two countries have enjoyed since establishing formal diplomatic relations.
“China is South Africa's largest trading partner globally, while South Africa is China’s number one trading partner in Africa. Total bilateral trade grew from R614 billion in 2022 to R692 billion in 2023,” the Presidency said in a statement.
On Monday, President Ramaphosa’s State Visit to China officially commences with a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People.
Ahead of the bilateral engagement, the President will lay a wreath at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Tiananmen Square in honour of Chinese revolutionaries.
South Africa and China’s bilateral relations are maintained at the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), underpinned by a Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020 – 2029).
“South Africa and China will sign agreements that are aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and the implementation of technical cooperation, particularly in the fields of human settlements, agriculture and science and technology.
“On Tuesday, 3 September 2024, President Ramaphosa will champion South Africa’s economic diplomacy with China by visiting Shenzhen, an economic technology hub in the Guangdong Province to interact with industry leaders and tour the headquarters of two tech companies as part of the bilateral business programme of the State Visit,” the Presidency said.
On Wednesday, President Ramaphosa will address the South Africa - China Business Forum on the margins of the FOCAC in Beijing.
On Thursday, the President will participate in the FOCAC Summit held under the theme “Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future”.
“The President will co- chair, with the Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mr Wang Huning, the High-Level Panel Seminar on Accompanying Africa in Industrialisation, Agricultural Modernisation and Green Development to Embark on the path to Modernisation,” the Presidency said.
South Africa’s participation in FOCAC is driven by a constant advancement of Africa’s position on development as outlined by the African Union’s Agenda 2063: The Africa we Want and its related Flagship Programmes.
A Declaration and Action Plan (2025-2027) will be issued at the conclusion of the 2024 FOCAC Summit. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 09/01/2024 - 09:22
315 views
Mega List of South African Cabinet Ministers – Past and Present
The Cabinet of South Africa is the most senior level of the executive branch of the Government of South Africa. It is made up of the president, the deputy president, and the ministers. Below is a list of Ministers in the Cabinet – past and present: SA Presidents Charles Robberts Swart: {1960 – 1967} The …