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GOOD Speech by Brett Herron. Note to editor: This speech was delivered by GOOD Secretary-General & Member of the Western Cape Parliament Brett Herron during today’s interpellation debate on Affordable Housing
The post CAPE TOWN DOESN’T NEED PHOTO-OPS… IT NEEDS HOMES appeared first on For Good.
Activists call for America to stop supporting Israel’s war in Gaza
Lesotho cabinet ministers to engage with SA counterparts over the issue
People earn less than R250 a month working in prison workshops or farms
1,476 social housing units planned at 16-storey development
There have been too many prepublication gag orders in recent times
South Africa does not need parties walking away from dialogue. It needs leadership that can engage with complexity, manage disagreement maturely, and stay the course. The DA’s decision to abandon the National Dialogue, while clinging to its GNU positions, exposes the contradiction in its stance.
The post DA’S WITHDRAWAL FROM NATIONAL DIALOGUE: STUNTS OVER SOLUTIONS appeared first on For Good.
AfriForum brought the case to compel the Free State government to intervene in the failing municipality
GOOD Statement by Brett Herron,GOOD Secretary-General 17 June 2025 Today marks one year since the Government of National Unity was formed, a bold and necessary step towards restoring stability and collaboration in a fractured political landscape. For the first time, the official opposition, most notably the DA, has found itself not across the aisle, but […]
The post ONE YEAR INTO THE GNU: TIME TO DELIVER ON THE PROMISE appeared first on For Good.
Meanwhile the Department of Social Development will ask for another extension of the Social Relief of Distress grant, MPs told
Workers also want uniforms and overtime pay
Black Sash argues they are a vital safety net but economist questions their viability
On Wednesday, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) was one of only two political parties in the Constitutional Court that presented arguments against the Copyright Amendment Bill, which allows for the expropriation of copyright without compensation. President Cyril Ramaphosa referred the Amendment Bill to the Constitutional Court under section 79 of the Constitution to assess […]
The post Freedom Front Plus opposes expropriation of copyright without compensation in ConCourt appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
President Ramaphosa to undertake an oversight visit to the Eastern Cape
President Cyril Ramaphosa will this week undertake an oversight visit to the Eastern Cape province where he will engage with the Provincial Executive Committee and receive a briefing on the Port of Ngqura.
The President’s programme will commence on Tuesday with a briefing by the Transnet leadership on the port which is one of South Africa’s newest deep-water ports, designed for high-efficiency container handling and large vessels.
It is also strategically aligned with the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and positioned as a key transshipment hub for Southern Africa.
“During the visit, the President will receive an update on plans to improve operational efficiencies at the port and projects currently underway,” the Presidency said in a statement.
On Wednesday, the President and Cabinet will meet with Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and his executive council to discuss conditions and opportunities in the province as part of strengthening intergovernmental cooperation, collaboration and consultation.
“The national and provincial executives will discuss various approaches to improving service delivery at local government level,” the Presidency said.
The President’s visit will seek to tighten alignment between provincial priorities and those of the 7th Administration, in line with the joined-up development approach adopted by government in the District Development Model.
This visit will be the fifth engagement between the national executive and provincial governments following recent interactions between the President and the provincial governments of Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Gauteng.
President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Ministers and Deputy Ministers. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 04/14/2025 - 10:01
234 views
CSIR critical for innovative solutions to resolve challenges - President Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) as a “South African success story” as the institution marks 80 years since its establishment.
The President was delivering remarks at the institution’s headquarters following a tour of the facility on Tuesday afternoon.
“Over many decades, the CSIR has been [at the forefront]… of developing groundbreaking technologies and solutions that have profoundly shaped our country’s scientific and industrial progress.
“With the advent of democracy in 1994, the CSIR embarked on a trajectory of aligning itself with the values of our Constitution. The CSIR is a true treasure for our nation,” he said.
The President told the gathering that as the country – and the world – dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic, the CSIR stepped in to assist the country in fighting the virus.
During the pandemic, CSIR engineers produced some 18 000 ventilators, which were vital for the care of patients across the country.
It also developed a platform to track the impact of the pandemic, which assisted government to direct its response.
“At a moment of great crisis and danger, it was Minister [Blade] Nzimande who said let’s go to the CSIR, and indeed, we came rushing because you had already developed certain capabilities to help us deal with the crisis not only our country was facing.
“We came in a rush, and you distinguished yourselves as a truly capable facility and centre, and today you have displayed to me and us precisely what you true capabilities are. They range from... having the capability to develop missiles and aeroplanes, and cyber security systems,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President called on government to make more use of the CSIR’s capabilities to deliver on South Africa’s developmental mandate.
“In government, we don’t use… the CSIR enough. You are a government owned entity, and you do a great deal of work for others in other countries. We have used you, and you have demonstrated that you are more than capable.
“We are going to have a special Cabinet session where [the CSIR] comes and outlines... precisely what you do and also give us insights on how we can use you. I can’t think of a better way of State capability [building] other than through science, technology and innovation,” he said.
The President further emphasised the institution’s critical role in building State capacity.
“We are one of those countries where, at the advent of democracy, we deindustrialised. The manufacturing base in our country started receding and it is this that we now need to build back.
“[The CSIR] being the centre for industrial research, and who are so adept in a number of areas, can help us to address the challenges in relation to job creation, reducing poverty and also ensuring that there is inclusive growth,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 04/09/2025 - 10:10
22 views
Eastern Cape welcomes Presidential visit to Gqeberha
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s official visit to the province, to assess progress on service delivery, challenges and opportunities for inclusive economic growth.
The Presidential Oversight Visit, set to take place in Gqeberha from 15 to 16 April 2025, will be attended by leaders from all three spheres of government, and provides an opportunity for government to interact with residents.
Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane and his Executive Council are looking forward to engaging with President Ramaphosa and Members of the National Executive on key provincial priorities.
In a statement, the provincial government said the visit underscores the President’s commitment to engaging directly with provinces, strengthening collaboration, and driving South Africa’s broader development agenda.
“The provincial government is particularly encouraged by the visit’s focus on fostering synergy, sharing best practices, and enhancing service delivery to accelerate economic growth,” the statement read.
The two-day visit will include an oversight visit at Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), followed by a Joint Cabinet meeting, which will be extended to Executive Mayors of the Eastern Cape District and Metro Municipalities.
This platform will allow for a comprehensive review of progress made, as well as a candid discussion on both the challenges and opportunities in advancing inclusive economic growth and efficient service delivery for the people of the Eastern Cape.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government said it remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investment, job creation, and improved public services.
“We are confident that this visit will strengthen the partnership between the Eastern Cape and National Government. Working closely with the President and his administration, we aim to accelerate development, address critical needs, and unlock the full potential of our province,” Premier Mabuyane said.
This visit will be the fifth engagement between the national executive and provincial governments following recent interactions between the President and the provincial governments of Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Gauteng. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 04/07/2025 - 11:32
106 views
Internet connectivity can aid SA’s development
Internet connectivity has the potential to boost employment while also broadening access to education, healthcare and the speeding up of service delivery, says Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Nomalungelo Gina.
Internet connectivity also has the potential to broaden modern agricultural practices, mobility, and banking services.
“Internet connectivity’s potential to boost productivity and employment is well documented,” the Deputy Minister said during a parliamentary session on Tuesday.
Gina cited a study encompassing 14 countries that found a 10 percentage-point increase in 3G coverage raised the employment rate by 2.1 percentage points, as faster internet connections create better job opportunities.
The Deputy Minister was addressing a joint session of Parliament’s Portfolio Committees on Communications and Digital Technologies and Science, Technology and Innovation with the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele.
The Departments of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) and Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) are collaborating in the development of a satellite communication strategy for South Africa.
The strategy is aimed at the establishment of a domestically owned satellite system that provides affordable, reliable, and secure communication infrastructure.
Over the past three years, the departments and their entities, Sentech and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), have worked to develop the strategy, which is expected to significantly enhance digital inclusion, support economic growth, and bolster essential services such as e-government, telemedicine, and rural telephony.
“Following extensive consultations and feasibility studies, the strategy has received sign-off from the Presidency on the Social Economic Impact Assessment System process. The next phase involves further government cluster consultations and public engagement before final Cabinet approval.”
While commending the progress, committee members stressed the urgency of implementation, the need for gender representativity, and the establishment of required capabilities to complete the project.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation, Tsakani Shiviti, said that both committees were hopeful that quarterly reports on the strategy would encourage the two departments to expedite the process for final Cabinet approval.
Acting Deputy Director-General at the DCDT, Dr Tinyiko Ngobeni, said the strategy would be submitted to Cabinet to obtain approval to publish it for comment from the public. Additionally, a national workshop will also be convened to explore substantive issues.
According to the DSTI, South Africa currently spends approximately R100 billion a year on foreign communication service providers.
“In contrast, a locally owned satellite system with a lifespan of up to 20 years would require a one-time capital investment of approximately R6 billion. This comparison shows the immense cost-saving potential of a domestic satellite system.”
Meanwhile, the department believes that a domestic system would also strengthen South Africa’s sovereign capabilities, as required by the national defence and security clusters.
The acquisition and operation of the satellite will be managed by a national satellite organisation through a strategic partnership with an international satellite fleet operator, ensuring sovereignty over critical communication infrastructure.
“The satellite industry presents vast opportunities for skills development, job creation, industrial growth, and self-reliance in national security matters.
“The satellite communication strategy initiative will foster new technical expertise throughout the satellite’s lifecycle – from design and construction to launch, operation, and maintenance – creating sustainable, high-skilled jobs and stimulating the local space industry,” said the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.
SANSA, with its extensive expertise in satellite operations, will play a key role in driving the initiative forward.
The project underscores the government’s commitment to a digitally inclusive society, where all citizens have access to reliable and affordable communication services. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 04/02/2025 - 10:37
432 views
BMA reflects on progress made since its establishment
While challenges remain, progress has been made in strengthening South Africa’s border management systems, Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, said on Tuesday.
“Beside the administrative successes relating to the establishment of the new organisation, there are operational successes, worth mentioning,” he said.
Some of the successes since the authority’s establishment in April 2023, include intercepting stolen vehicles. The authority also successfully managed the movement of heads of state and government technocrats from all over the world as well as a higher number of journalists for the BRICS Summit that the country hosted in August 2023.
“We were able to apprehend or arrest over 468 000 individuals who were attempting to enter the country illegally since 1 April 2023,” he said, adding that 2 344 wanted criminals were also arrested.
Additionally, over 262 explosives used in the explosion of rocks during illegal mining operations and the blowing up of cash-in-transit vehicles were also confiscated.
“The establishment of the BMA sought to create a single authority to effect border law enforcement with a single command and control. Contrary to what some people consider to be the functions of the Border Management Authority, our function is not just about stamping passports at the ports of entry,” Masiapato said.
The Commissioner was speaking at the High-Level Colloquium on Migration, in Pretoria.
He said the BMA exists to secure South Africa’s borders and concurrently facilitate legitimate movement of people and goods in all ports of entry and border law enforcement areas. The BMA Act provides for the BMA to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in executing its border law enforcement functions in the Ports of Entry and the Border Law Enforcement areas.
“The Border Management Authority plays a crucial role in facilitating the smooth movement of people, goods, and services across borders while ensuring the safety and security of the country,” he said.
The authority also works to prevent the introduction of invasive species, pests and diseases that can harm the environment and ecosystem.
“We also ensure that all imports and exports comply with environmental regulations, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The BMA also monitors the movement of hazardous waste across borders to prevent illegal dumping and ensure compliance with international regulations.
“We also inspect food and water imports to ensure they meet international health standards and regulations. We also monitor the movement of vectors, such as mosquitoes and ticks, to prevent the spread of vector-borne diseases,” the Commissioner explained.
He told those attending the colloquium that the authority is most known for its immigration function.
“In this regard, the BMA inspects travel documents, such as passports and visas, to ensure they are authentic and valid. We also monitor the movement of people to ensure compliance with immigration regulations and laws,” he said.
In the last 24 months, the BMA has screened millions of travellers for infectious and communicable diseases and “those we picked up with diseases have been referred to medical facilities for further medical attention.”
Masiapato said despite the achievements, challenges exist.
“Illegal migration, human trafficking and transnational organised crime continue to pose serious threats to our national security and public safety,” he said.
In June 2013, Cabinet made the decision to establish a Border Management Agency under the guidance of the Department of Home Affairs.
President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the Border Management Authority on 5 October 2023, in Musina, Limpopo. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 04/01/2025 - 14:29
235 views
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
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
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
SASSA welcomes decision for continued use of gold card
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has welcomed the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) decision to allow for the continued use of the SASSA gold card until all the cards have been successfully replaced.
The decision by SARB comes after several engagements between SASSA and Postbank on several issues, including alternative payment methods for beneficiaries who have not migrated to the Postbank black card.
SASSA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Themba Matlou, said the decision has been made in the best interest of all the beneficiaries to safeguard their dignity, lessen panic, while ensuring their safety and easy access to their grants.
Matlou said he respects and abides by the decisions taken by the relevant banking authorities, including SARB. He also appealed to all gold card holders to still go out to change their card to Postbank black card sooner rather than later.
“We humbly plea to our beneficiaries to use this opportunity and not wait for the last hour, as this will further inconvenience them. From the onset, we listened to the cries of our beneficiaries and understood their frustration.
“This should not make you to relax, this should make you to wake up tomorrow, with less pressure, and change your card,” Matlou said in a statement on Friday.
Briefing the media on Thursday, following Cabinet’s meeting on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the deadline for South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant beneficiaries to swop their SASSA gold cards for the new Postbank cards had been extended to 30 April 2025.
This is to allow SASSA and the Department of Social Development to complete the migration of the outstanding beneficiaries – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 03/28/2025 - 11:58
73 views
Cabinet welcomes corruption busting efforts
Cabinet has welcomed this week’s launch of the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum (BMIACF).
“Cabinet welcomed the launched Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum on 25 March 2025, as part of efforts to clamp down on corruption in border management and immigration,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday.
The Minister was briefing media on the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.
Speaking at the launch of the BMIACF, Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber warned crooked officials that the department will leave no stone unturned to rid its ranks of corruption.
Schreiber said cooperation amongst the relevant authorities was making an impact on efforts to restore the image of the Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority (BMA).
“We are also committed to the kind of systems reform that will close the space for discretion, which enables fraud and corruption in the first place,” Schreiber said on Tuesday.
READ | Home Affairs Minister issues stern warning to crooked officials
Meanwhile, Cabinet also welcomed the arrest of 12 892 suspects between 17 and 23 March 2025 by the South African Police Service (SAPS) as part of Operation Shanela.
These include 1 753 wanted suspects for serious and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, business and house robberies.
READ | Operation Shanela makes progress
Additionally, 1 794 suspects were arrested for assault with Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and 203 drug dealers were arrested. -SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 03/27/2025 - 11:43
530 views
Cabinet welcomes hemp and cannabis food product regulations withdrawal
Cabinet has welcomed the withdrawal of the Department of Health's regulations that banned the sale of hemp and cannabis food products, according to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
This week the Presidency announced that Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi will retract these regulations following a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
”Whilst acknowledging the negative impact of the unregulated sale of hemp and cannabis food products on possible consumption by children, such regulations must be fully consulted, must not be in contempt of the Constitutional Court Judge, and must not contravene the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act,” the Minister told journalists in Pretoria on Thursday during a post-Cabinet media briefing.
President Ramaphosa reaffirmed his commitment to increasing stakeholder consultation and public participation in developing new regulations that will reduce health risks and the negative impact of food products containing cannabis and hemp, especially concerning minors.
“In light of further stakeholder consultations, the Minister of Health will withdraw the Regulations under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act (Foodstuffs Act) to prohibit the sale, importation, and manufacture of foodstuffs containing hemp and cannabis.
“The Department of Health will continue to consult broadly before publishing the revised regulations,” the Presidency added.
In addition, Ntshavheni said on Thursday that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is coordinating an interdepartmental draft regulation for the implementation of the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 03/27/2025 - 11:46
653 views