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Ministers welcome President’s focus on economic growth, job creation

Location: News

Ministers welcome President’s focus on economic growth, job creation

Government Ministers have thrown their weight behind President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), which focused on economic growth, job creation, infrastructure development and reducing household expenses.

“Our most urgent task is to grow our economy so that we can create jobs, reduce poverty, and improve the lives of all South Africans,” the President told Members of Parliament (MPs) and guests on Thursday evening. 

The President emphasised that the nation urgently requires a robust economy that benefits everyone. 

To achieve this virtuous cycle of investment, growth and job creation, the President said economic growth must surpass 3%.

Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has echoed the President’s sentiments, stating that South Africa needs to transform its economy.

“We’ve got to be able to show more jobs. We need to bring in the private sector so that we can get more agricultural products to the world a lot quicker and expand. 

“The citrus industry told me that they could quadruple the production over the medium-term if they have reliable ports and can get their products to the market.” 

Steenhuisen believes that the Head of State and Government has demonstrated a clear focus.

“Now, we can [move with] the urgency that’s required and I wish I could see more of those deadlines around when we’re going to achieve these things.

“I think the President diagnosed the problem perfectly – it’s about growth and jobs. That’s why we’re in the GNU [Government of National Unity].” 

The Minister also expressed his satisfaction with the plans presented by the President. 

He also welcomed the investment in infrastructure, the commitments made toward Early Childhood Development (ECD), and the transformation of Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants into income protection for impoverished South Africans.

The President announced that this grant will serve as the foundation for introducing a sustainable income support system for the unemployed. 

He also stated that the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme will continue to prioritise students who wish to pursue a career in teaching, particularly in the foundation phase. 

In addition, government will work to expand access to ECD services for all children.

“We can’t be sitting within the 2029 election and going to the electorate with some of these projects languishing in the drawing board. I think now we have to unpack; take all of these things and move them with speed and urgency,” Steenhuisen added. 

Deputy Minister for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, believes that the President has issued a clear call regarding the government’s mid-term development plan, focusing on actions and priorities.

“Part of the non-negotiable... is job creation and economic growth in all sectors. No sector must be left behind - whether it’s infrastructure, construction, agriculture or finance. 

“Our President has said our country is capable and we must make sure that the capability and the potential of young people that we often find neither in employment, education nor training must be brought to the table.” 

Letsike believes that the President is prioritising women, youth and persons with disabilities. 

She welcomed the Transformation Fund, which is worth R20 billion a year over the next five years, to support black-owned and small business enterprises.

“It’s already telling us its action plan. This public purse must reach the relevant people.” 

Letsike also welcomed President Ramaphosa’s commitment to reform the energy and water sectors, which are essential for service delivery to the people.

“When he wrapped it up, he said our nation is capable and we can’t leave anyone behind.”

Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, expressed his satisfaction that the President addressed the importance of building the economy to create jobs.

“That has been a very big problem for about two decades in our country and he tried his best to tackle it,” he said. 

Motsoaledi also welcomed the three significant announcements related to his department, which include advancing the National Health Insurance (NHI), enhancing public health infrastructure, and working towards the elimination of HIV and AIDS. 

“I’ve been telling people that improving public health infrastructure and implementing the NHI aren’t mutually exclusive and don’t have to follow one another, and that we can do it simultaneously .

“The President just announced a huge hospital bill programme and so, we’re forging ahead with NHI and we’re going to put this massive infrastructure.” 

According to the Minister, the infrastructure will complement improvements in public health facilities.

“South Africans must not accept or get used to the idea that we’re going to live with HIV/Aids forever and it’s part of life. It’s not. At some stage, we need to bring it to an end and we’re targeting 2030.”

While he acknowledged that the country may not be able to completely eradicate the disease, he stressed that government is working tirelessly to eliminate it as a public threat. 

To achieve this goal, approximately 1.1 million more people need to be on antiretroviral therapy (ARVs) between now and November of this year.

“People have been asking me where are you going to get money (sic). But I tell them, when you want to save people, don’t ask about money. Look at the human beings you want to save first and money will follow when you have that determination.” 

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has echoed the President’s sentiments of providing universal healthcare for all South Africans.

“We must do the basic things that need to be done. We must put the health infrastructure in place, so that there are hospitals and clinics that our people can access,” Ntshavheni said.

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, stated that the President’s adoption of digital technology in his department has been crucial.

He told SAnews that this aligns with the vision of Home Affairs and how the department wishes to turn it into a digitally first department - the first component of this initiative will be delivered this year. 

Schreiber also highlighted the part of the address where the Head of State discussed tourism and attracting skills for investment.

“One of the big issues is getting visas. That’s why the electronic travel authorisation concept and the automated visa process are important. No more papers, no more space for human intervention and it’s going to deal with corruption and it’s going to deliver with efficiency.” 

Meanwhile, the President of the Congress of the South African Trade Union Federation (Cosatu), Zingiswa Losi, also welcomed this year’s address. 

“We’re happy because he touched on most of the things we expected the President to touch on -- the issue of the Social Relief of Distress grant and continuing with it to form the basic income grant. It has been the call Cosatu has been making for years now and we’re happy that the President is not talking about taking that away,” she said. 

Losi believes that the State must ensure that unemployed individuals can sustain themselves.

“I’m also happy that he was also able to link that to Technical, Vocational, Education and Training (TVET) colleges because we’ve seen that now our kids have passed Grade 12. Most of them are devastated because they’re unable to get to universities but we’re not talking about artisans and skills that this economy is going to need.”

According to the Cosatu President, if government is planning to spend R940 billion on infrastructure over the next three years, the country will require a wide range of skills to revitalise roads and bridges, build dams and waterways, and modernise ports and airports.

“The emphasis by the President about the TVET Colleges and also spending R943 billion that has been allocated to infrastructure says we’re going in the right direction. But we must make sure that the construction mafias don’t take this away,” Losi said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 02/06/2025 - 23:47

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Read moreMinisters welcome President’s focus on economic growth, job creation

Charting the way forward for South Africa

Location: News

Charting the way forward for South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his State of the Nation Address (SONA) to reaffirm to the nation the country’s resilience and determination to overcome its challenges.

“We are a resilient people. We will not be bullied. We will stand together as a united nation. We will speak with one voice in defence of our national interest, our sovereignty and our constitutional democracy,” the President said on Thursday night.

Delivering the first State of the Nation Address (SONA) in the seventh administration at the City Hall in Cape Town, the President emphasised the importance of unity and economic growth. This also includes the urgent need for a capable government to drive meaningful change. 

The SONA evening commenced with a grand display of national pride which included a ceremonial guard, the singing of the national anthem, a 21-gun salute, an aircraft exhibition, and a full military band. 

The President was ushered into the National Assembly by 19-year-old praise poet Inako Mateza, setting the tone for a speech that resonated deeply with South Africans.

READ | Young Imbongi ready to welcome the President at SONA 2025

SA’s position in the world

Acknowledging the complex global environment in which South Africa finds itself,  the President spoke about the rise of nationalism, geopolitical tensions, rapid technological advancements, and the effects of climate change. 

He highlighted South Africa’s position in this evolving world order, stressing that the country will not be deterred by external pressures.

“By staying true to our values, by harnessing our unique strengths and endowments, and by forging a common purpose, we can turn these trying circumstances to our advantage and propel our country forward,” he said.

South Africa, he affirmed, stands for peace, justice, equality, and human rights. He emphasised that the nation remains committed to democracy, tolerance, and non-racialism, and will continue advocating for the rights of women, persons with disabilities, and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) community.

Collective effort

The President underscored the importance of collective effort in building a prosperous and unified South Africa.

He emphasised that progress can only be achieved through collaboration rather than discord.

“We will work together to build the nation that we want. We will only be able to do it by working together and not by shouting together. 

“We will only be able to do it by ensuring that we as leaders ensure that those who will come after us – our children and grandchildren - inherit a country that we have helped to build and not to destroy,” he said. 

While acknowledging differences on various issues, President Ramaphosa emphasised that South Africans share a common goal - building a better country and improving people’s wellbeing.

He called for renewed determination, empathy, and national pride, drawing on the same spirit that brought the country its democracy.

“While we may differ on many issues, we agree on one thing: that we need to build a better South Africa and improve the wellbeing of our people. And so, as we enter a new era in the world and in our own country, let us speak of the empathy and compassion that we have for one another,” he explained.

President Ramaphosa called on all South Africans to work together to build the nation they envision. He urged citizens to remain steadfast in their values, harness their strengths, and forge a common purpose to propel the country forward.

“We stand for our shared humanity, not for the survival of the fittest. So, this evening, let us speak of the nation we want,” he said.

President Ramaphosa’s address set the stage for renewed commitment to economic growth, public service excellence, and national unity, reaffirming South Africa’s resilience in the face of global and domestic challenges.

Government that works for the people

President Ramaphosa underscored the critical task of growing the economy to create jobs, reduce poverty, and improve the lives of citizens. 

A key part of his address focused on strengthening the public service, ensuring that it is professional, ethical, and capable.

“Our most urgent task is to grow our economy so that we can create jobs, reduce poverty and improve the lives of all South Africans. To undertake this task, we need a government that works for the people. 

“We need a state that is capable and competent, underpinned by a professional public service. South Africans want a state that treats all people with dignity, humility and respect.”

To achieve this, the President announced plans to enhance the role of the Public Service Commission in key appointments, ensuring that Directors-General, Deputy Directors-General, state-owned entities’ executives, and senior officials are chosen based on merit and integrity. 

A graduate recruitment scheme will also be introduced to attract the best and the brightest into public service. 

Honouring the Freedom Charter

This year’s SONA took place during the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter, a foundational document of South Africa’s democracy. The President paid tribute to its vision of a united, non-racial, and democratic society, emphasising that the Charter remains a guiding force for the nation’s future.

“The Freedom Charter is the cornerstone of our democratic Constitution. It sets out a vision of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa. It sets out a vision of a country in which government is founded on the will of the people. 

“Where the land is shared among those who work it, where the people share in the country’s wealth, and all are equal before the law. It is this vision that continues to guide us as we work to build the nation, we all want,” he said.

National Dialogue 

The President also announced plans for a National Dialogue, in which South Africans will come together to shape a new path for the country, inspired by the spirit of the Congress of the People.

READ | National Dialogue structures to be in place in early 2025

He called on all South Africans to unite behind a shared vision for the country’s future, emphasising the power of cooperation in overcoming challenges and driving progress.

The President said the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) presents an opportunity for the country to demonstrate what can be achieved through collective effort.

“All of these things that we speak of are possible. As South Africans, we know the power of cooperation, of what is possible when people of different backgrounds, races, cultures, languages, ethnic groups and religions come together behind a shared objective,” he said. 

The President announced plans for a National Dialogue, urging citizens to participate in defining South Africa’s vision for the next 30 years.

“The National Dialogue must be a place where everyone has a voice. It must be a place to find solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives. The National Dialogue must reaffirm that each and every one of us has a role to play in building the nation we want,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Thu, 02/06/2025 - 22:11

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Read moreCharting the way forward for South Africa

Police stand ready for tonight’s SONA

Location: News

Police stand ready for tonight's SONA

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says police management are satisfied with the state of readiness for tonight's State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“[Police] members will now be deployed and we are confident that they will execute their duties with integrity and the utmost professionalism,” Mchunu said.

Addressing the police officers deployed in Cape Town ahead of tonight's State of the Nation Address, Mchunu said they would play a vital role in maintaining safety and security.

“We stand ready today and beyond,” said Mchunu.

The police stand ready to ensure that the State of the Nation Address goes as smoothly as possible.

“All the objectives of the preparations as far as safety is concerned are going to be realised,” Mchunu said, adding that they had received all the reports on preparations to ensure that tonight’s State of the Nation Address goes smoothly.

“You are on duty. You are going to be in the spotlight, not only for us who are here, but throughout the Republic and outside the Republic, all eyes are going to be on you. You u are going to share the spotlight with the Head of State while performing his duties.

“All eyes are going to be around him in terms of safety and stability, not only at the City Hall where the proceedings are going to be held, but the whole of the Western Cape and the whole of the City of Cape Town,” Mchunu said.

Mchunu said people would be looking to the South African police to ensure safety and security and other related services.

“There is no doubt in all of us who are here that you will perform your duties beyond expectations, the citizens of this country are expecting you to be professionals. They are going to be looking at you with the expectation to deliver whatever it will take to deliver in accordance to the plan,” the Minister said. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the first SONA of the seventh administration at 7pm tonight, under the theme: “A nation that works, for all”.

SONA 2025 takes place as South Africa recently took up the Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) – a historical moment, as the country became the first African State to do so.

The address is expected to touch on the Government of National Unity (GNU) and how it is setting about achieving its objectives.

The SONA represents the official start of Parliament’s programme and is one of the rare occasions when the three arms of the state – the legislature, the judiciary and the executive – gather under one roof. 

The SONA will be broadcast live on television, on radio and will also be streamed live on the Presidency and Parliament YouTube channels. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 02/06/2025 - 16:27

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Read morePolice stand ready for tonight’s SONA

All eyes on President Ramaphosa

Location: News

All eyes on President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tonight outline the roadmap for the country for the year ahead, as he takes to the Parliamentary podium to deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The President will deliver the first SONA of the seventh administration at 7pm tonight, under the theme: “A nation that works for all”.

SONA 2025 takes place as South Africa recently took up the Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) – a historical moment, as the country became the first African State to do so.

In a media briefing on Wednesday, Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the address is expected to touch on the past, the present and the future of South Africa. 

“The annual address gives us an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as a nation and recommits us to working together to build the country we envisioned at the start of our democracy,” he said.

The address is also expected to touch on the Government of National Unity (GNU) and how it is setting about achieving its objectives.

In his Opening of Parliament Address last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed that the GNU will dedicate the next five years to “actions that will advance” inclusive growth and job creation, reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living.

The seventh administration took office last year following the national General Elections in which the South African people did not give a single clear majority to any political party.

“In the address, the President will outline the task of the Government of National Unity in implementing the three strategic priorities of the Medium-Term Development Plan, namely, driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living and building a capable, ethical and developmental state,” Magwenya said.

Parliamentary process

The SONA represents the official start of Parliament’s programme and is one of the rare occasions when the three arms of the state – the legislature, the judiciary and the executive – gather under one roof.

During a media briefing yesterday, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza described SONA as a “crucial event on our national calendar as this Parliament but also as a nation”.

“This occasion is the result of months of meticulous preparation and coordination, which underscores its significance in shaping the national discourse and setting the tone for the year ahead.

“SONA allows the President as the head of state to speak to the nation and reflect on a wide range of matters of national importance, as well as outline the progress on the commitments made by the state. 

“As such, SONA signifies the highest level of the state’s accountability to the citizenry by providing updates on the government programmes, developments in legislation and policies, profiling targets and a programme of action for the new financial year,” she said.

As the moment draws closer, leaders of the three arms of the state will form a procession and will enter the Assembly Chamber through the main entrance of the Cape Town City Hall.

The Speaker explained that SONA 2025 will “retain a full ceremonial format” including that procession.

“[This includes] a 21-gun salute, an aircraft flypast, a ceremonial guard, the singing of the national anthem, a full military band and procession involving provincial speakers and premiers, the judiciary, the Deputy President [Paul Mashatile] and the President,” Didiza said.

Youth involvement

Didiza told the media that although dignitaries from across the world will be in attendance, Parliament has also made special way for the youngest of South Africans to be involved in the day.

“As part of fostering civic awareness and public engagement, SONA… will feature the Junior Guard of Honour, comprising a hundred learners from four Western Cape schools selected in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Education.

“The involvement of these young learners is crucial in educating and exposing them to the workings, roles and functions of State institutions, helping to shape them as the leaders of tomorrow,” Didiza said.

During the media briefing, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, announced that this year’s praise singer, who will usher the President in – a staple of the SONA – will be 19-year-old Inako Mateza, who hails from the Eastern Cape.

“The proceedings of this SONA will once again include praise singing by Imbongi. This practice is managed through rotational language and provincial selection processes, which ensures inclusivity and the promotion of all our official languages. 

“This custom not only adds cultural significance to the event but also provides a platform to showcase grassroots talent on the prominent national stage,” Mtsweni-Tsipane said.

Speaking to SAnews, the award winning Mateza described her selection as an honour.

“Being chosen as an Imbongi to welcome the President in Parliament tomorrow means a lot to me because firstly, I'm a young person who embraces culture and tradition at a time where young people are focused and celebrated for amapiano music. So, for me being the Imbongi that will be welcoming President Cyril Ramaphosa makes me feel ecstatic.

“This opportunity will encourage me to continue the work I am doing. I've noticed that even people on social media enjoy the imbongi part of SONA. I thought I was doing this for my own enjoyment, but I see now that I have inspired others to walk this path too,” Mateza said.

The SONA will be broadcast live on television, on radio and will also be streamed live on the Presidency and Parliament YouTube channels. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 14:18

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Read moreAll eyes on President Ramaphosa

President Ramaphosa ready and focused for SONA

Location: News

President Ramaphosa ready and focused for SONA

President Cyril Ramaphosa is fully prepared and focused ahead of his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, says Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.

Addressing a media briefing in Cape Town on Wednesday, Magwenya emphasised that despite various pressing national matters, the President remains undistracted and committed to delivering his address. 

“He's very ready for tomorrow. Typically, in our office, there's never a time when we are dealing with one issue. The sort of typical day, week or month in our office involves dealing with multiple issues at the same time. 

“So, we are excited. We are not in any way distracted by all these other issues. We accept these issues to be par for the course, in the nature of the President's work, and like the issues that we have to deal with and resolve, we are not in crisis mode,” Magwenya said. 

He said the President’s office was addressing issues as required and remained focused on preparations for tomorrow’s SONA. 

He noted a great deal of excitement surrounding the event, as it will be the first SONA under the seventh administration and the Government of National Unity (GNU). 

“Tomorrow's address will have received inputs from Ministers that come from other parties who are responsible for their respective portfolios, and so tomorrow's address will be very much reflective of the Government of National Unity, and we are finding a great deal of excitement,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa will deliver the 2025 SONA on Thursday at 7 pm at Cape Town City Hall, before a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament.

The first SONA of the seventh administration will be held under the theme “A nation that works, for all” and holds added significance as it coincides with South Africa’s 30 years of freedom and democracy as well as its Presidency of the G20.

“The annual address gives us an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as a nation and recommits us to working together to build the country we envisioned at the start of our democracy. 

“In the address, the President will outline the task of the government of national unity in implementing the three strategic priorities of the Medium-Term Development Plan, namely, driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living and building a capable, ethical and developmental state,” he said. 

Presidential Gold Challenge

Following the SONA, President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday tee off alongside a diverse stakeholder grouping to raise funds for charities during the annual Presidential Golf Challenge (PGC) which will be held at the Atlantic Beach Golf Estate, Melkbosstrand.

The PGC is held every year following the SONA and is hosted by the Ministry of Public Service and Administration in partnership with the private sector as part of the activities around SONA.

Magwenya explained that the challenge raises funds for charities designated by the sitting President and provides an opportunity for networking between government and the private sector. 

“The proceeds will be donated to the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, which will in turn distribute funds to deserving charities to improve education and promote skills development in the communities across the country.

“The President is honoured to partner with an 11-year-old golfer Shalom Madlala from Malelane in the Mpumalanga province. Shalom is a provincial player in the South African Golf Development Board’s (SAGDB) program,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 12:42

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Read morePresident Ramaphosa ready and focused for SONA

Economic growth, job creation expected to take centre stage in President’s SONA

Location: News

Economic growth, job creation expected to take centre stage in President’s SONA

Economic growth, service delivery, infrastructural development, and job creation are some of the key issues that President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address in his highly anticipated State of the Nation Address (SONA) scheduled for Thursday, 6 February 2025.

Professor Dirk Kotze from the University of South Africa’s (Unisa) Department of Political Sciences, noted that economic growth will take centre stage in the President’s speech.

“I think first of all, what President Ramaphosa will focus on is, as always, on the economic matters - economic growth; the economic plan that he has developed since 2018,” Kotze told SAnews.

In addition, the Professor believes that the country’s commander-in-chief will zoom in on the water and electricity issues. 

“Yes, electricity is definitely becoming more of a success story, but he will continue with that,” he added. 

According to the political analyst, other important areas, including health, education, defence, and Home Affairs, will also be addressed. 

Kotze explained that SONA focuses on the current year and outlines the government’s plans and the legislative agenda for Parliament.

This includes the introduction of new legislation, as well as a medium-term plan covering the next three years.

“He will also refer to some matters that will later be presented in more detail in the budget speech by the Minister of Finance [Enoch Godongwana]. So, these two, the budget speech and the SONA address, are very much linked to each other.

“I don’t think one can expect new issues,” he added. 

In addition, the Professor stated that the President's address will reaffirm the government’s position on issues, such as climate change.

“Renewable energy will receive, I think, a lot of attention, given the developments in the US, President [Donald] Trump, who wants to move away from that,” he told SAnews.

According to the analyst, international relations will be specifically addressed, particularly in light of the recent incidents in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Several soldiers serving with peacekeeping forces in the DRC have been killed by the M23 rebel group in recent days amid fierce fighting, including 14 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

The recent deadly clashes have intensified in eastern DRC after Kinshasa withdrew its diplomats from Kigali in Rwanda. Rebels have advanced toward the strategic city of Goma, which is rich in minerals.

The SANDF soldiers are part of the mission which aims to help restore peace, security, and stability in Africa’s second-largest country.

Tomorrow’s SONA will mark the President’s first SONA as the Head of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in the seventh administration.

This address holds particular significance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of freedom and democracy in South Africa, as well as the country’s Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20). 

Tomorrow's address also marks the official start of the parliamentary programme, which is followed by a debate in the National Assembly and the President’s response to that debate.

In an interview with SAnews on Tuesday, Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, emphasised the importance of this year’s SONA. 

He noted that President Ramaphosa will be addressing the nation following an election that led to the formation of a GNU, as no single political party received enough support to govern independently.

“This SONA will outline the three priorities and strategic direction of the GNU which are to drive inclusive growth and job creation, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living, and to build a capable, ethical and developmental State.” 

Morolong said it was important for South Africans to tune in and watch the President and hear him deliver the plans of government that he leads, as the Head of State. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 07:03

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Read moreEconomic growth, job creation expected to take centre stage in President’s SONA

President to deliver first SONA of the seventh administration 

Location: News

President to deliver first SONA of the seventh administration 

In just a few hours, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) which will provide a country roadmap charting the way forward for the country in what one could call a mixed bag of domestic and global circumstances.

Thursday night will mark the first SONA to be delivered under the seventh administration’s Government of National Unity (GNU) following the outcomes of the historic 29 May 2024 elections.

And while the faces of government Ministers has changed with every administration, the SONA, held every year since the dawn of democratic South Africa in 1994, continues to hold strong and is a reflection of democracy in action, no matter who is in the driver’s seat of the sitting government of the day.

The State of the Nation Address (SONA) is an important fixture in the nation’s journey forward and provides the President with an opportunity to hold perhaps the year’s “biggest family meeting,” outlining the key plans and programmes of the year ahead. The address also affords the President the chance to look into the rearview mirror to assess the journey traversed to date.

As the President fine-tunes his notes before delivering the speech in an environment that changes by the second, government is cognisant that in every family unit, every member has a role to play in ensuring and preserving the family name and that it has to do so by ensuring the provision of services and responding to challenges facing the South African family.

This as government continues to respond to the challenges of poverty, inequality, unemployment and illegal mining among others.
“As much as we have made progress, we have to do much more to overcome the challenges that confront our nation. We need to work with urgency and purpose to grow an inclusive economy and create jobs,” the President said in his New Year’s Eve message to the nation in December 2024.

In that address, he called on the nation to look at the year 2025 with hope.

“As a people, our unity, determination and resilience has seen us through hard times. Just as this has been a year of great change, we look to the next year with great hope,” he said at the time.

And while our South African family is by no means perfect, there are valid reasons not to be glum about the future.

G20

At tomorrow night’s joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament, the President is expected to speak on the country’s hosting of the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in November, making the country the first do so on the African continent. This as the nation assumed the Presidency of the grouping on 1 December 2024 under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.

Having taken over the baton from Brazil, South Africa's G20 Presidency is the fourth consecutive emerging market Presidency and follows the admission of the African Union (AU) as the second permanent African member. 

The G20 was established to tackle pressing global economic and financial issues. Together, G20 members account for around 85% of global GDP and 75% of international trade. The hosting of the Summit is expected to help accelerate the performance of the economy.

The economy

President Ramaphosa is likely to also reflect on the performance of the economy in an environment where the rising cost of living has many on edge. However, the prospects of South Africa’s purse strings are predicted to improve with the country in 2024 having achieved its first primary budget surplus in 15 years.

A recent economic and financial assessment by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) showed that the country’s economic growth prospects are poised to recover in 2025 following a lacklustre economic performance for the past two years.

Last month, the fund published the findings of its Article IV Consultation with South Africa, which was held in November 2024. 
According to the IMF, the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) output growth is expected to accelerate from an estimated 0.8 % in 2024 to 1.5 % in 2025 driven by improved electricity generation, monetary policy easing, and a return of investor and consumer confidence post the elections.

The IMF acknowledged progress in banking-resolution and safety-net reforms and praised macro-prudential measures to bolster capital buffers. However, it also raised concerns on the rising public debt and the challenges South Africa faces to meet climate goals.

The ongoing electricity and logistics reforms aimed at alleviating critical supply constraints were also welcomed. National Treasury noted that the fund’s concerns are aligned with government’s response to addressing immediate and long-term economic challenges.

“The National Treasury is committed to implementing reforms that will enhance inclusive economic growth, achieve a sustainable public debt level, further repair and strengthen network industries, and strengthen state capacity to support economic activity.”
In its 2024 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) in October, Treasury estimated economic growth to increase from 1.1 % in 2024 to 1.7% in 2025.

It attributed the gains in the economy to household consumption gradually increasing, supported by rising purchasing power, employment recovery and wealth gains.

The current focus of South Africa’s reform agenda includes the stabilisation of the electricity grid, enhancing the efficacy of freight and ports operations, implementing e-Visas, as well as prioritising the advancement of targeted industries to enhance the business climate and promoting equitable growth. 

Legislation

In the past year, government has passed laws that aim to improve lives as well as respond to pressing challenges.

In January this year, the President signed into law the Expropriation Bill, which sets out how organs of State may expropriate land in the public interest for varied reasons.  
The new legislation repeals the pre-democratic Expropriation Act of 1975, aligns expropriation processes with the Constitution and marks the culmination of a five-year process of public consultation and Parliamentary deliberation. 

“The Bill assented to by President Ramaphosa outlines how expropriation can be done and on what basis. This law will assist all organs of State - local, provincial and national authorities - to expropriate land in the public interest for varied reasons,” the Presidency said. 

Section 25 of the Constitution recognises expropriation as an essential mechanism for the state to acquire someone’s property for a public purpose or in the public interest, subject to just and equitable compensation being paid.

The law has drawn criticism from the United States of America with South Africa saying it looks “forward to engaging” with US President Donald Trump’s administration on bilateral relations and other issues.

The Presidency said the legislation is not a confiscation instrument.

“The recently adopted Expropriation Act is not a confiscation instrument, but a constitutionally mandated legal process that ensures public access to land in an equitable and just manner as guided by the constitution. 
“South Africa, like the United States of America and other countries, has always had expropriation laws that balance the need for public usage of land and the protection of rights of property owners."

Among other laws passed is the Employment Equity Amendment Act, which is aimed at reducing the regulatory burden for small employers to allow them to focus on job creation, which came into effect on 1 January 2025.  

President Ramaphosa signed last year, the proclamation notice giving effect to the start date of implementation of the Employment Equity (EE) Amendment Act, No. 4 of 2022. 

In terms of the notice gazetted on 28 November 2024, small businesses that employ less than 50 employees are no longer bound to comply with Chapter III of the Employment Equity Act, 1998 (EEA) - for example in relation to the submission of their EE reports starting from the 2025 EE Reporting period. 

Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth said the regulatory flexibility will enable small businesses to now focus on growing their businesses and create jobs.

In addition, in December, the President announced his intention to sign a Presidential Proclamation that will bring the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act into operation, immediately. 

The BELA Bill was passed by the 6th democratic Parliament on 26 October 2023 after which the first citizen assented to the Bill on 13 September 2024.

President Ramaphosa said the BELA Act is vital to the transformation of the country’s education system and is an important part of ongoing efforts to build an education system that is more effective and more equitable in line with the precepts of the Constitution.

The Act amends sections of the South African Schools Act of 1996 (SASA) and the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 (EEA) to account for developments in the education landscape since the enactment of the original legislation.

Community safety 

In a move to ensure the safety of citizens, the South African Police Service (SAPS) trained and deployed over 20 000 new constables in various units across the country in the past three years.

In addition, operations like Operation Shanela continues to make strides since its inception in May 2023. Shanela consists of regular stop and searches, roadblocks, high visibility patrols and the tracing of wanted suspects.
Operation Vala Umgodi which is aimed at combating illegal mining also continues to make strides.

At the release of the Quarterly Crime Statistics in November 2024, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu announced that the SAPS had recorded a downward trend in some categories of crime, including murder, robbery and carjacking.

From 1 July to 30 September 2024, the 17 community-reported serious crimes showed an overall decline of 5.1%. Specifically, contact crime decreased by 3%, property-related crime saw a reduction of 9.9%, and other serious crime decreased by 3.4%. 

“Focusing on contact crime, the statistics indicate that murder decreased by 5.8%, sexual offenses by 2.5%, and robbery with aggravating circumstances by 8.8%. Additionally, rape decreased by 3.1%, while robbery at residential premises and non-residential premises decreased by 1.3% and 21.1%, respectively,” he said at the time.

Load shedding 

While the country suffered a bout of Stage 3 load shedding recently, November 2024 marked the longest stretch of no-load shedding in five years.

Eskom marked the longest stretch of uninterrupted power supply in five years, with load shedding suspended for more than 240 consecutive days at the time which was followed by 300 days of no-load shedding on 21 January 2025.

The power utility’s performance has been on a steady upward trajectory since the implementation of the Energy Action Plan introduced by President Ramaphosa in July 2022, as well as the implementation of the power utility’s own Generation Recovery Plan.

ICJ case

South Africa in 2024 continued its work on the application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in Gaza (South Africa v. Israel) matter.

This as it said that it had no regrets about becoming the first country to file a lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to end its “deadly and relentless genocidal bombardment” of Gaza.  

In October 2024, it formally filed its Memorial to the International Court of Justice (ICJ)  marking a significant step in the ongoing legal action, which aims to hold Israel accountable under international law.

The action taken by South Africa since December 2023, culminating in the filing of the Memorial, has generated overwhelming national and international interest. 

In his Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) in July last year, the President appealed to the larger South African family to behave as weaver birds.

“We would like all of us as South Africans to behave like ‘weaver birds’. Weavers are among the most gregarious birds in that they build complex structures together and cooperate. 

"Despite all the challenges, despite our differences, despite all the headwinds, as South Africans we are called upon to remain firmly committed to pursue the path of cooperation, growth and inclusion,” he said at the time.

As the larger South African family, let us gather around our television and radio sets to hear what the President has to say.
The SONA will get underway at 7pm on Thursday, 6 February 2025. -SAnews.gov.za 
 

Neo
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 09:15

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Read morePresident to deliver first SONA of the seventh administration 

Deputy Minister Morolong urges South Africans to watch SONA

Location: News

Deputy Minister Morolong urges South Africans to watch SONA

Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has called on South Africans to tune into radio stations, TV channels and social media platforms to hear the President's address on Thursday at 7pm.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver SONA before a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament on Thursday at 7pm at the City Hall, Cape Town.  

The 2025 SONA is the first of the seventh administration and will be held under the theme: “A nation that works, for all”. 

Speaking to SAnews, Morolong said this is an important SONA because the President will address the nation in the aftermath of an election that resulted in the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU), since no political party garnered enough support to govern alone. 

"This SONA will outline the three priorities and strategic direction of the GNU which are to drive inclusive growth and job creation; to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living; and to build a capable, ethical and developmental state. 

“It is important that ordinary South Africans tune in and watch the President and hear him deliver the plans of government that he leads as the Head of State. We look forward to a SONA that will not just bring hope to an ordinary south African who is jobless but that will also stimulate business to continue to play their role as partners in development,” Morolong said. 

The President is expected to set out the country’s game plan for the year ahead and how together, everyone can partner with government to take the nation forward.

He will address the key priorities of the current administration - including building an ethical, capable, and developmental state, fostering an inclusive economy, and reducing the high cost of living. 

According to Morolong, the address will not only reflect on past achievements but also provide a roadmap for future governance.

“We are hoping that the President will inter alia speak about the achievements of the current government. During SONA, the President often underscores the need to build on past successes, and this year’s address will be no different. His reflections are going to be quite important because they are a call for action as they will guide our government on the most intricate matters of service delivery,” he said. 

Morolong emphasised the importance of young South Africans, particularly the unemployed, tuning in to the address. 

“It is crucial for a young person who is at home and unemployed to listen to what the government intends to do to stimulate economic growth and enhance their chances of employability. 

“This is a platform where the President takes the entire country into his confidence regarding government programmes, plans, and achievements,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa is expected to focus on economic growth, job creation, and reducing the high cost of living. 

“The President will reflect on what the GNU has been able to achieve since its establishment and outline future plans aimed at making tangible improvements in the lives of all South Africans,” Morolong stated. 

As the nation awaits President Ramaphosa’s address, South Africans are encouraged to watch and engage with the policies and priorities that will define the country’s trajectory in the coming years.

This address holds added significance as it occurs during the commemoration of 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy that South Africa is celebrating and it coincides with South Africa’s Presidency of the G20. 

The annual address gives the nation an opportunity to reflect on how far the country has come and recommits each person to working together to build the country everyone envisioned at the start of democracy. 

In the address, President Ramaphosa will set out government’s key policy direction for the seventh administration and deliverables for the year ahead. President Ramaphosa will reflect on the social and economic strides over the last year in building a nation that works for everyone.

Government’s notable achievements include strong partnerships in key areas, far reaching reforms to change the structure of the economy, growing optimism across the society and advances in building a more inclusive future.  – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 15:50

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Read moreDeputy Minister Morolong urges South Africans to watch SONA

Government calls on private sector to help bridge digital divide

Location: News

Government calls on private sector to help bridge digital divide

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has called for collaboration between the private and public sectors to create a meaningful future for the country’s children and to bridge the digital divide.

The Deputy Minister made the call during the government’s back-to-school programme in Cape Town, Western Cape, on Tuesday. 

Following his speech, the Deputy Minister toured special needs schools that benefited from MTN’s Connecting Every Child initiative. 

The MTN’s Connecting Every Child initiative, a joint effort between the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), aims to provide digital devices and educational content to schools in South Africa.

The Deputy Minister emphasised the private sector’s role in fostering development and investing in youth, underlining its crucial contribution to Africa’s economy.

“I’m happy you are not limiting your responsibilities just to providing goods and services and this is an indication of what government can do working with the private sector and to an extent, society,” he said.

He also praised MTN for its significant contributions to the education sector and expressed his appreciation for both the learners and teachers.

The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of education as a powerful catalyst for change and expressed gratitude for initiatives that improve lives and society.

He visited the Jan Kriel School in Kuils River and Rusthof LSEN (Learners with Special Educational Needs) School in Onverwacht, which both benefited from the colourful computer labs donated by MTN.

The 88-year-old Jan Kriel School is dedicated to teaching and training learners with special educational needs. 

Jan Kriel School Principal, Gerrit Odendaal, stated that the school’s new laboratory has transformed the institution. 

He believes that technology is essential for helping learners gain independence, which is a crucial skill for their development.

“When they leave school, the teacher stays behind and mommy and daddy won’t always be there. But they will have a smartphone, a laptop, a device or some technology that they can take with them.” 

He said the computer lab, equipped with 28 laptops, an interactive whiteboard, and printers, has transformed this school after it previously had an outdated computer room that was not suitable for children with special needs.

Keyboards have now been adapted to be colourful and include special trackpads to support learners whose motor skills are still developing.

“You should have seen their faces the day they walked into that lab for the first time. They are now looking forward to their computer lessons. They ask, ‘Ma’am when is the next period?’ They’re excited to learn and that makes learning and teaching fun,” Odendaal told SAnews. 

Western Cape MTN General Manager, Noluthando Pama, stated that the company believes everyone deserves the benefits of a digitally connected life through the internet.

“We as MTN, our vision, the thing that gets us to wake up every day is to ensure that we’re providing connectivity to communities that don’t have connectivity. So, we chose this school because we also believe that special needs, are very much in need of this digitally connected world.” 

According to Pama, the labs not only make learning enjoyable but also enhance cognitive abilities.

“As a brand, seeing the fruits of all the work we’re doing, it’s very heartwarming.”   

They have also equipped the school with a network mast, allowing for faster and higher-quality connectivity.

She stated that MTN strongly advocates for a public-private partnership in the country.

“That’s when you can truly have an impact on economic growth. What GNU [Government of National Unity] is also doing and bringing the different political parties and vastly so, engaging business on forums such as BUSA [Business Unity South Africa]. 

“You’re seeing a deliberate partnership of MTN and government to benefit children and the community and we love that as MTN we’re not there to ask customers to buy data and airtime from us but we’re investing in their communities and giving their kids digitally enabled tools.” 

She believes that without partnerships with the private sector, it would be difficult for the government to make progress in curbing unemployment.

“The budget of government is limited and of course, the private sector companies have a bit of room to play with,” she added. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 16:42

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Read moreGovernment calls on private sector to help bridge digital divide

Public Works Minister weighs in on Expropriation Act

Location: News

Public Works Minister weighs in on Expropriation Act

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has reiterated government's stance on the Expropriation Act, stressing that no one in South Africa will "have their land confiscated".

“The Expropriation Act sets out a clear legal framework under which expropriation may take place, always with due process and court oversight,” Macpherson said.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Mining Indaba in Cape Town on Monday, Macpherson said land grabs will never be allowed when the law is applied.

“...Section 25 of the Constitution enshrines property rights in the highest law of our country,” Macpherson said. 

He said the Government of National Unity (GNU) will always put the interests of South Africa first.

“This government is committed to working with international partners, not against them, [and] to ensure investor confidence remains strong. 

“...I am also committed to ensuring that [this Act] is constitutional and that there will be no arbitrary land grabs by the State in South Africa.

“Property rights are not only about protecting investments but also about ensuring that the rule of law is upheld in all sectors of society.

“It has been proven globally that infrastructure investment is one of the most effective ways to drive a country’s economic expansion and job growth. 

“Countries that have prioritised strategic infrastructure development have seen direct increases in GDP, stronger industrial output, and greater employment opportunities. As the Government of National Unity, we have made this a priority,” Macpherson said.

On Monday morning, President Cyril Ramaphosa – through a statement issued by The Presidency – said the South African government is looking forward to engaging with its US counterparts on the matter.

“We look forward to engaging with the Trump administration over our land reform policy and issues of bilateral interest. We are certain that out of those engagements, we will share a better and common understanding over these matters,” the Presidency said.

Furthermore, the Presidency emphasised that the Act is “not a confiscation instrument, but a constitutionally mandated legal process that ensures public access to land in an equitable and just manner as guided by the Constitution”. 

The Expropriation Act states that property may not be expropriated arbitrarily or for a purpose other than a public purpose or in the public interest.

The Expropriation Act, which underwent a five-year public consultation process, was deliberated in Parliament, and is in line with the South African Constitution.

The Act repeals the Expropriation Act of 1975 and allows for the State to expropriate land in the public interest – subject to just and equitable compensation.  – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 11:02

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Read morePublic Works Minister weighs in on Expropriation Act

Langa township residents receive government services ahead of SONA in Cape Town

Location: News

Langa township residents receive government services ahead of SONA in Cape Town

Washington Street in Langa, Cape Town, bustled with activity as the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) hosted pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) outreach activities on Monday.

Gazebos, banners, buses and cars lined the streets, as various government departments provided services to the community.

The Guga S’Thebe Cultural Centre and the Langa Civic Hall were filled with hundreds of community members. 

Some walked, while others took taxis, all eager for essential services, such as applying for identity documents (IDs).

Young people lined up at the Employment and Labour Department’s mobile bus to register on the job seekers' database.

The outreach activities aim to involve all South Africans in the SONA, which will be delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday, 6 February, at 7 pm. 

This will be the President’s first SONA as the Head of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in the seventh administration.

Some of the participants were the City of Cape Town officials, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Western Cape Department of Social Development, the Department of Home Affairs, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), the Human Rights Commission, Postbank, the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC), and the Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA).

Acting Director of Public Employment Services, Nokulunga Zazaza, expressed satisfaction in connecting with the community, especially in registering unemployed youth on their database.

The team also offered career counselling to help equip the youth with job hunting and interview skills.

“We also have a programme where we go around to engage with employers and opportunity providers to check if there are opportunities available in their organisation. If they do, they give us the requirements and registration credentials, and we’ll use those to match it with the unemployed who meet the criteria,” she explained. 

Although there are Labour Centres located throughout the province, Zazaza stressed that her department aims to connect more closely with local communities. 

She expressed a desire for people to secure permanent employment, as most of the companies that reach out to them mostly offer temporary contracts and training services.

“We always want as many people as possible to find employment because our target is unemployed persons, as our department’s focus is employment and labour. We want to do anything that will assist with unemployment.”

Research Officer for the Human Rights Commission, Advocate Tammy Carter, told SAnews that many individuals she encountered in communities were unaware of their rights, even though the country boasts one of the best constitutions in the world.

“One of the primary functions, in terms of the Constitution for the Human Rights Commission, is to promote human rights and human rights culture. 

“If people don’t even know their rights, how are they going to even assert those rights? 

“For us, it’s important to be invited to events like this, so that we can educate people about their rights.” 

She said Chapter 9 bodies had been created to support democracy by being enforcers of human rights.

Most of the people she has been attending to have been raising issues about education, access to water and sanitation, environmental concerns such as littering, which seems to be a big deal in Langa, and access to services such as SASSA and Home Affairs. 

“People in Langa have to travel to Athlone to access these services and it costs them a lot of money,” Carter said, adding that was important for the Chapter 9 institutions to come together to help these communities. 

Customer Care Assistant from the  Western Social Development Department, Siphosihle Qingana, said together with his colleague, he has been providing information about their services since this morning. 

These include childcare protection programmes, support for the elderly, substance abuse assistance, and registration of non-profit organisations (NPOs).

“People need help or advice about child protection. Some children don’t have birth certificates. Other people were seeking funding for their NPOs and asking about registering NPOs,” Qingana told SAnews. 

Ministries and departments will continue to hold various public engagement activities for the remainder of the week. 

According to the GCIS, these events aim to encourage South Africans to familiarise themselves with the content of SONA, enabling them to contribute to discussions and proposals for economic growth and development. 

South Africans are encouraged to tune it and participate in this important national milestone. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 02/03/2025 - 15:16

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Read moreLanga township residents receive government services ahead of SONA in Cape Town

President convenes Cabinet Lekgotla

Location: News

President convenes Cabinet Lekgotla

President Cyril Ramaphosa has convened a Cabinet Lekgotla with leaders from all spheres of government - to review government’s progress on priorities, assess challenges and set the agenda for the seventh administration.

Addressing members of the media on the agenda of the two-day meeting, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said government was finalising the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024/2029.

The plan proposes three strategic priorities, which include inclusive growth and job creation; reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, as well as building a capable, ethical and developmental State.

“We are focusing on the practical actions that we need to take to make good on the promises that we have made and set practical timeframes so that we can realise the priorities of the MTDP.

“We also received a scene-setting report from National Treasury on the economic outlook and the global outlook -- trends that will inform government planning.

“We are looking at what we want to achieve in terms of reforms on global institutions, in particular the security system of the United Nations and global funding institutions,” the Minister said on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the Cabinet Lekgotla.

Other areas of focus include funding Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and the “missing middle”, in reference to students whose household income is too high to qualify for National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding, yet too low to afford tertiary education without financial assistance.

The Cabinet Lekgotla is taking place on 29 and 30 January 2025 at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House, in Pretoria. 

The outcomes of the meeting will shape government’s policies and programmes that will be announced by the President during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament on Thursday, 6 February 2025, at 19:00. 

With the seventh administration being under the Government of National Unity (GNU), which comprises 10 political parties from across the spectrum, Ntshavheni emphasised that the meeting will prioritise the interests of the country.

“We are meeting as the GNU and we are not bringing party political interests. We are going to negotiate and discuss as members of Cabinet and representatives of provinces, which are represented by Premiers.

“We work for the best benefit of our country and not the best benefit of our parties. The engagements are on the level of us being members of the national executive,” Ntshavheni said.

South Africa’s term for the Group of Twenty (G20) presidency also features on the meeting’s agenda.

“As we are preparing to host the G20, we will receive a report on the logistics and the content on government goals for the summit,” the Minister said.

South Africa holds the G20 Presidency from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025, under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability” .

South Africa's G20 Presidency is the fourth consecutive emerging market Presidency, and it is also the first African Presidency, followed by the admission of the African Union (AU) as the second permanent African member. 

The G20 was established to tackle pressing global economic and financial issues. Together, G20 members account for around 85% of global GDP and 75% of international trade. 

The G20 comprises 19 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States, and two regional bodies, namely the European Union and the African Union.

The grouping plays a critical role in influencing global policy making and fostering global economic stability. - SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Wed, 01/29/2025 - 18:23

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Read morePresident convenes Cabinet Lekgotla

Trade, Industry and Competition unpacks Transformation Fund

Location: News

Trade, Industry and Competition unpacks Transformation Fund

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) says the Transformation Fund is a critical initiative that advances South Africa’s constitutional commitment to economic redress and inclusive growth, which the dtic is bound by. 

Rooted in Section 9(2) of the Constitution, it aims to promote shared equality through legislative and other measures to empower black-owned enterprises and small, medium, and microenterprises (SMMEs).

The fund also reflects the statement of intent of the Government of National Unity (GNU), which emphasises fostering redress and inclusive economic growth. 

“The GNU’s transformative agenda seeks to dismantle systemic barriers to economic participation, ensuring that historically-disadvantaged communities are afforded equal opportunities to thrive in all sectors of society,” said the department.

In addition to advancing the constitutional imperative of economic redress, the fund is anchored in the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act, particularly Section 2(h), which obligates government to "increase the effective economic participation of black-owned and managed enterprises, including small, medium, and micro enterprises and cooperatives, and enhance their access to financial and non-financial support”.

The fund directly addresses these priorities while promoting greater compliance with B-BBEE requirements and unlocking opportunities for sustainable growth.

Aligned with the National Development Plan’s (NDP) Vision 2030 to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality, the fund supports Outcome 4: decent employment through inclusive economic growth.

It also reinforces the department’s Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024–2029, which prioritises job creation and inclusive economic participation, as outlined in the revised Annual Performance Plans (APPs). 

The following include the objectives of the Transformation Fund:
- Promotes economic inclusion: Provides financial and non-financial support to black-owned enterprises, ensuring meaningful participation in the economy.
- Addresses fragmentation: Aggregates resources from existing Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) obligations and other sources to enhance impact and efficiency.
- Fosters sectoral growth: Focuses on high-impact sectors, including agriculture, tourism, ICT, manufacturing, and businesses in township and rural areas.
- Enhances market access: Offers technical assistance, pre- and post investment support, and market access opportunities to beneficiaries.
- Supports industrialisation: Aligns with South Africa’s industrial policy to stimulate growth in productive sectors and underdeveloped areas.

“The Transformation Fund is not about imposing new obligations but about ensuring that existing commitments under the B-BBEE legislation are strategically utilised to create meaningful economic transformation. It embodies our constitutional mandate to achieve equality and empower historically disadvantaged communities,” Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Parks Tau, said.

As outlined in the department’s revised Annual Performance Plans (APPs), the fund’s conceptual framework will be opened for public consultation and stakeholder engagement with a target to mobilise R100 billion by 2029. 

“We welcome the ongoing debate on transformation and look forward to broad participation during the consultation process. This timeline underscores the dtic’s commitment to achieving sustainable and impactful transformation.”

He said the Transformation Fund was not merely a funding mechanism, “it is a catalyst for change”.

“Through collaboration with the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders, we will create an economy that is inclusive, sustainable, and reflective of South Africa’s diversity.” – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Sun, 01/26/2025 - 12:30

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South Africa is undergoing ‘fundamental transformation’ – President Ramaphosa

Location: News

South Africa is undergoing 'fundamental transformation' - President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa, says South Africa is undergoing a “fundamental transformation” - as it seeks to accelerate inclusive economic growth.

President Ramaphosa was speaking at the South Africa Night World Economic Forum (WEF), held at the Garden Hall in Davos Klosters, Switzerland, on Tuesday evening.

The event, hosted by Brand South Africa, celebrated the country's G20 Presidency, an extraordinary opportunity to shape the global agenda for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The event was held on the sidelines of the annual WEF meeting, which is taking place from 20-24 January 2025, under the theme: "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age". 

The President told the gathering that the country has introduced reforms in sectors, including water, electricity and logistics, that are serving as a base for economic growth.

“South Africa is undergoing a fundamental transformation. We have introduced bold economic reforms to overcome persistent challenges and unlock the vast potential of our country and its people. 

“These reforms have underpinned the country’s economic recovery in the wake of more than a decade of stagnant growth, state capture and the worst global pandemic in more than a century. These reforms are laying a firm foundation for sustained and accelerated growth into the future,” President Ramaphosa said.

He added that the reforms, and the subsequent structural transformation are “sharpening South Africa’s competitive edge, boosting productivity and attracting investment”.

The President pointed to the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU), as an example of the commitment from all leaders to maintain “stability, progress and partnership” in South Africa, as the country moves towards inclusive growth.

“While each party campaigned on different platforms, the Government of National Unity has agreed on a common programme to grow an inclusive economy, create jobs and build a capable state.

“Surveys have shown that South Africans have confidence in the Government of National Unity to take the country forward. It has also contributed to a marked improvement in business and investor confidence,” he said.

President Ramaphosa also pointed to partnerships that have been developed between government and social partners, in order to drive the country forward and face challenges together.

“We have a tradition of dialogue and cooperation, of working together to overcome even the most intractable of problems. As we confront the challenges of the present, social partners have been working together, in various forms and forums, to drive a programme of inclusive growth and transformation.

“A concrete example of this is the strategic partnership between the South African government and business. This collaboration focuses on innovative solutions to tackle critical issues, such as energy security, infrastructure gaps, crime and corruption, and job creation,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa described 2025 as “a momentous year for South Africa”, as the country takes its place as the first African country to bear the Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20).

He said through South Africa’s G20 Presidency, the country will demonstrate its unwavering commitment to global solidarity, equality, and sustainability.

“From the triumph of democracy 30 years ago, to our ongoing pursuit of inclusive growth, South Africa has demonstrated that collaboration and determination can shape a brighter future. It is this ethos we bring to the G20. 

“Our Presidency provides a platform to amplify voices that have often gone unheard. It is an opportunity to advocate for solutions that prioritise the well-being of all, particularly the most vulnerable. South Africa is well placed to play this role,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 01/22/2025 - 10:30

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Mashatile assures unions’ interests protection under GNU

Location: News

Mashatile assures unions' interests protection under GNU

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged labour union leaders not to fear the Government of National Unity (GNU) formed after the May 2024 elections.

“Don’t be scared of the GNU. I know in the beginning there were many saying this GNU includes those who don’t have the interest of workers at heart, so we might see the reversal of the gains that workers have made over the years. But I said to them, don’t worry we’re there,” Mashatile said. 

Mashatile explained that the GNU is made up of a collective in a Cabinet, appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“The Ministers are not allowed to come with their own policies. We agreed on the priorities and statements of intent. Yes, people can talk about their policies in their parties. But in government, we all work in terms of the priorities of government.

“We will make sure that the workers’ rights are protected, so don’t be scared. Workers’ rights will always be protected even in the GNU. Please sleep peacefully at night,” he assured the leaders.  

The Deputy President was delivering a keynote address at the annual Nedlac Organised Labour School, held at Kievits Kroon in Pretoria, on Tuesday. 

He stated that they have to ensure the achievements made over the past 30 years are preserved, and that they will continue to defend these accomplishments.

Mashatile highlighted the GNU's policy priority areas, which include growing an inclusive economy, reducing the cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental State. 

“In realising these priority areas, we believe that we must continue to create a social compact with labour, business, and civil society, as we have done through NEDLAC [National Economic Development and Labour Council].” 

The Nedlac Organised Labour School takes place every year to evaluate the current state of the labour market and the challenges that workers face in the country.

Delegations from various labour federations, guests from the International Labour Organisation, and representatives from government departments, filled the conference room.

The union leaders raised key points, including the defence of progressive policies, the importance of local government collaboration, and the challenges of funding and corruption.

This year, the country’s second-in-command, said government will host the National Dialogue aimed at drawing from lessons from the past, to shape the future beyond the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030. 

According to the Deputy President, the National Dialogue will take place in a year when South Africa celebrates 70 years of the Freedom Charter, a statement of core principles that have and continue to shape policy in South Africa. 

“The task of organised labour in this regard is to provide innovative solutions on how best to strengthen our economy, build social cohesion and improve governance systems, placing the needs of the workers at the forefront.”

He believes that the National Dialogue will shape the country’s outlook towards and beyond 2055, a year when the country will celebrate the centenary of the Freedom Charter.

“Our ultimate objective must be to realise a South Africa that belongs to all who live in it, Black and White, as envisaged in the Freedom Charter. Indeed, this is the only way that we can realise the country of our dreams as charged by those who gathered in 1955 in Kliptown.” 

Nedlac is the vehicle by which government, labour, business, and community organisations seek to cooperate, through problem-solving and negotiation, on economic, labour, and development issues and related challenges facing the country. 

The Deputy President defined the labour movement as the backbone of the nation, holding the power to drive South Africa’s economic transformation.

"Together, through collaboration and collective action, we can overcome the challenges of the 21st century and create a future of dignity, equality, and prosperity for all workers,” Mashatile said – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Tue, 01/21/2025 - 13:45

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WEF meeting a ‘golden opportunity’ for South Africa

Location: News

WEF meeting a 'golden opportunity' for South Africa

This year’s World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting to be held in Davos, Switzerland, will be significant for South Africa, particularly as the country takes its spot at the forum bearing the Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20).

This is according to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, who addressed the pre-WEF breakfast session held in Sandton on Thursday.

The WEF annual meeting will be held from 20 January, with several Ministers, civil society and business leaders from South Africa expected to attend.

“This year’s WEF is particularly significant for South Africa. For the first time in many years, the President of the Republic, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, will lead the South African delegation. This presents a golden opportunity to not only strengthen South Africa’s visibility on the world stage, but to also profile our G20 Presidency. 

“Under the theme of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability, our G20 Presidency reflects the essence of South Africa’s vision for global leadership,” Godongwana said.

The Minister told the breakfast session – which was attended by Ministers, high ranking government officials and business leaders – that Team South Africa will be presenting a united front at the WEF meeting.

“The WEF Annual Meeting brings together a wide array of key global stakeholders. These audiences are keen to understand the opportunities and challenges facing South Africa.

“It is essential that we align our key messages to showcase our country’s strengths, address misconceptions and advance our collective priorities. By presenting a unified message, we can enhance South Africa’s standing and influence in the global community,” he said.

The local environment

Godongwana acknowledged that the South African economy still faces challenges. However, he emphasised that there are reasons for optimism.

“The third quarter contraction, combined with the slight downward revision of the second quarter GDP, resulted in modest growth of 0.4% over the first three quarters of 2024. This was below the projections included in the 2024 MTBPS [Medium Term Budget Policy Statement] macroeconomic forecast. 

“However, we remain cautiously optimistic. There are significant upside risks to growth in the final quarter, including faster-than-anticipated easing of inflationary pressures, improved electricity reliability, and the stimulus effect of the withdrawals of the two-pot retirement system. While the road ahead is challenging, these positive indicators provide a foundation for stronger growth in 2025 and beyond,” he said.

The 2025 WEF annual meeting will be the first for the seventh administration and the Government of National Unity (GNU).

Godongwana said since its formation last year, the GNU has “demonstrated its potential to unite the nation and foster progress”.

“This era of governance has allowed for meaningful discussions on accelerating structural reforms. 

“The positive reception from both the markets and the public has created a conducive environment for the GNU to deliver on its commitments and build an investment friendly environment,” he said.

Returning to his earlier point, the Minister reiterated the importance of “collaboration between business and government, as we prepare to present South Africa’s story on the global stage”.

“As we prepare to represent South Africa in Davos, let us remember the strength that lies in collaboration. 

“Together, government and business can drive the messages that matter most, which are those of resilience, opportunity, and shared prosperity,” Godongwana concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 01/16/2025 - 12:20

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Team South Africa heads into WEF with ‘confidence’

Location: News

Team South Africa heads into WEF with 'confidence'

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau says engagements at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting are a platform for South Africa to show that it is addressing the challenges facing the economy and the country.

The Minister was speaking during a media briefing following the pre-WEF Annual Meeting breakfast session held on Thursday.

The annual meeting will be held from Monday next week and is expected to conclude on Friday.

“I think that there is great prospect for us to ensure that we present the South African story for what it is, not what we hope it is, but what it is.

“And it doesn't suggest that…there aren’t difficulties in the country. We say we’re confronting the difficulties. We’re working on resolving the issues growing the economy and addressing our challenges,” Tau said.

The Minister said the importance of attending the WEF meeting cannot be underestimated in the face of South Africa’s ambitions to prop itself up as an investment destination of choice.

“If you look at the individual diaries of the individuals that would be there, it is quite extensive the number of people and influential business and government leaders that would be engaging. [This is] both in terms of our collective engagements with people at Davos, the different platforms that we would be engaging on, but also, in terms of the one-on-one sessions that have been scheduled for individual ministers, CEOs, Chairpersons, leaders of parastatals and so on.

“If you were to quantify the value of the engagements, I think it's quite extensive because the people that you would be engaging with that would be looking at you as a potential investment destination…or increasing their investments in the country.
“Those would be one on one sessions that are quite invaluable,” he explained.

Team South Africa

The delegation representing South Africa at the annual meeting is expected to be led by President Cyril Ramaphosa who will be joined by several Ministers and civil society and business leaders.

Speaking at the pre-WEF briefing, leaders in the South African business sector expressed support for Team South Africa heading into the annual meeting.

Standard Bank Chairperson Nonkululeko Nyembezi said the breakfast session with government emphasised the importance of “the alignment between government and business”.

“We …stress the fact that it’s not just for government to put across messaging about the country. The business community has got a singular responsibility in this regard because we’re talking to our business counterparts, talking the language they understand, telling them how we see our country evolving in our continent over the future.

“The economy is visibly growing and accelerating in that part. Clearly the electricity issue is a foundational element of that, but there are others that we can point to that show that we are getting on top of the issues.

“[But] we’ve got to keep it real. We haven’t solved every single problem, we still have unemployment that is unacceptably high etc, and those things we can be quite balanced about. footing this time around But I think Team South Africa is striding on far firmer,” Nyembezi said.

Discovery CEO, Adrian Gore, said South Africa’s showing at the WEF meeting will be “different”.

“I think from a business perspective, I think there is an unequivocal feeling that this year is different. The country…hopefully at a point of inflection. There are tremendous challenges that remain.

“But…I think ironically the theme of WEF is collaboration and, if anything, our country is illustrating that both in the GNU [and] certainly in the business-government partnership that is a fundamentally powerful construct.

“It’s…become a very well governed structure of cadence and uniqueness and is delivering very, very well to the country. So, there are a number of attributes we feel very confident about going into WEF,” Gore said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

NeoB
Thu, 01/16/2025 - 14:01

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2025 a year of “great hope” – President Ramaphosa

Location: News

2025 a year of "great hope" - President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on all South Africans to rally together for a better future for all in the New Year.

The President was addressing the nation on Tuesday afternoon on New Years’ Eve.

“As we can embark on a New Year, I call on each and every South African to be part of the journey towards a better future for all. I wish you all a peaceful and prosperous New Year in 2025,” he said.

Looking back
President Ramaphosa called 2024 a year of “change and progress”.

He remarked that this year, South Africans celebrated “the progress made in building a society founded on the ideals of freedom, equality and human rights” as 30 years of Freedom was marked in April.

This was demonstrated in the free and fair elections held this year.

“On the 29th of May 2024, we held our seventh democratic elections peacefully and freely. As the people of South Africa voted for the representatives of their choice, they gave voice to their concerns, their aspirations and their concerns. 

“Our people, through their votes, called on political parties to put their differences aside and to work together to put South Africa first. As elected public representatives and acting on the outcomes of the elections, that gave no single party an outright majority to govern South Africa on its own, we heeded the clear message from our people.

“We established a Government of National Unity [GNU], bringing together parties from across the political spectrum. This…GNU, made up of ten political parties committed through the Statement of Intent it adopted to grow an inclusive economy and to create jobs,” he explained.

President Ramaphosa added that the GNU also committed to reduce poverty and lower the cost of living.

“The parties are all working to strengthen the capacity of the State and to deliver services to our people. The outcomes of the May 2024 elections and the establishment of the [GNU] have really enabled South Africa to enter a new era that holds great promise. 

“Our economy is slowly but steadily improving, more South Africans are finding jobs. Inflation has been falling making essential goods more affordable for households,” he said.

He also highlighted “increased investment” in roads, rail, public housing, energy, water and sanitation and infrastructure as well as improved business confidence to invest.

“As this happens, more jobs will be created, more livelihoods will be supported, and more local businesses will be sustained. The far-reaching reforms that we started in the Sixth Administration are beginning to show results. 

“We are emerging from a debilitating energy crisis that cost immense hardships for our people, households and businesses. Our logistics sector, which is critical to the functioning of our economy has shown notable improvement following the corrective initiatives that we embarked upon in partnership with business, labour and Transnet,” he said.

Those initiatives, the President explained, will “encourage greater investment and make them more efficient”.

Fighting crime 

President Ramaphosa said focused efforts – through Operation Shanela and others – have resulted in law enforcement dealing decisively with organised crime, illegal mining, extortion and other priority crimes.
Furthermore, the fight against gender-Based violence (GBV) has also been placed on sharp focus.

“We have strengthened the capabilities of the criminal justice system and improved support for survivors of [GBV]. However, our primary focus must remain on the prevention of [GBV] against young girls and the women of our country.

“Working with civil society…we continue to call upon men and boys to stand at the forefront of changing attitudes and behaviour towards the girls and the women of our country,” he said.
Moving forward

The President acknowledged that South Africa still faces challenges that must be overcome.

“As much as we have made progress, we have to do much more to overcome the challenges that confront our nation. We need to work urgency and purpose to grow our economy and create jobs,” he said.

President Ramaphosa described the year ahead as one that should be looked at with “great hope” by all South Africans.

“As a people, our unity, determination and resilience has seen us through hard and difficult times. Just as this has been a year of great change, we look to the next year with great hope. We will be embarking on a National Dialogue, bringing all South Africans together to develop a common vision for the country. 

“In 2025, we will be hosting the very first G20 Summit on African soil. Through our leadership of the G20, we will work for solidarity, equality and sustainable development. That will have an impact on many peoples around the world in various countries.
“May God continue to bless South Africa and protect her people,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Tue, 12/31/2024 - 17:57

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President moves on full implementation of BELA Act

Location: News

President moves on full implementation of BELA Act

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday evening announced his intention to sign a Presidential Proclamation that will bring the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act into operation, immediately. 

The BELA Bill was passed by the 6th democratic Parliament on 26 October 2023. The President assented to the Bill on 13 September 2024. 

During the public signing of the Bill, President Ramaphosa announced his decision to delay the implementation date for sections 4 and 5 by three months. 

The President said in a statement issued this evening (20 December 2024) that he had met with the leaders of the parties to the Government of National Unity (GNU) today. 

“I accordingly advised them that I would proceed to sign a Presidential Proclamation to bring the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act into operation from today. I have instructed the Minister of Basic Education to see to the full implementation of the BELA Act,” the President said. 

Consensus

The President explained that at the time he assented to the BELA Bill,  "I noted that a number of parties to the Government of National Unity and other key role players in our country had expressed their wish to further engage each other on sections of the bill that deal with issues of admission and language.”

“I said that whilst I had assented to the Bill, in the spirit of cooperation and meaningful engagement, I would delay the implementation date of the BELA Act in totality by three months.”

The three months would give the parties time to deliberate on these issues and make proposals on how the divergent views may be accommodated. He also said that should the parties not agree on an approach at the end of the three-month period, he would then direct the Minister and the Department to proceed with the implementation of the Act.

The President explained that he has also instructed the Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, to do what is “necessary” as is customary with any law to ensure that the timeframe of implementation – particularly with regard to the preparedness of the system for universal Grade R access – and the consequential regulations setting out the norms and standards are prepared.

“All bodies and all officials responsible for the implementation of this Act are required at all times to act in accordance with the Constitution, the law and the relevant policies and regulations,” said President Ramaphosa.

The President said that over the last three months, discussions have been held with a view of reaching consensus on these outstanding clauses of the BELA Act.

Various formations outside of government have also made representations, both for and against the relevant sections.

Last week the President received a report from the GNU clearing house mechanism.

READ | Deputy President Mashatile clarifies position of the GNU on BELA Act

This is the structure which brings together the parties to the Government of National Unity and other parties represented in Parliament to deal with contentious issues and thereafter report to the leaders of the political parties represented in the GNU.

"In their final report, the parties agreed that the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act should not be sent back to Parliament to make changes to the sections that were in contention.

“The GNU clearing house participants agreed that the Act be fully implemented. This view was endorsed by the leaders of the parties to the GNU in a meeting I held with them today.”

READ | President notes settlement agreement with Solidarity on BELA Act

Transformation 

In his statement, the President said the BELA Act is vital to the transformation of South Africa’s education system and is an important part of ongoing efforts to build an education system that is more effective and more equitable in line with the precepts of the Constitution.

“The BELA Act continues the work that has been done over the last 30 years to ensure that all children have equal access to quality education – from their early years and throughout their schooling.

“As a democratic country committed to building a new society, we have stated unequivocally that all children must get an education that prepares them to succeed in life, no matter what the circumstances of their birth might be, no matter where they live, no matter what language they speak.

“In implementing this Act, we are all ultimately guided by the Constitution.”

Equality in education

He stressed that the Bill of Rights guarantees the right of every person to equality and that it guarantees the right of every person to receive a basic education.

“We must therefore do everything in our means to ensure that every child, without exception, has equal access to a decent, quality education. We must therefore leave no child behind.

“Let us ensure that our children get the best education so that they can take our beautiful country and our diverse nation forward to a prosperous future.” 

The first citizen said the Constitution states that every person has the right to receive education in the official language or languages of their choice where reasonably practicable.
This is a right that applies equally to an English-speaker as it does a Zulu-speaker.

“It applies equally to someone who speaks Afrikaans as it does to someone who speaks Xitsonga, Sesotho, Sepedi, isiXhosa, Setswana, Tshivenda, isiNdebele or siSwati. And now, it also applies equally to someone who uses the South African Sign Language.”

The Basic Education Laws Amendment Act enacts measures that strengthen the ability of schools to give effect to these Constitutional rights.

“In the application of this law, we must ensure that no language is diminished. Rather, we must work to ensure that all official languages are valued and promoted,” said the President. -SAnews.gov.za

 

Neo
Fri, 12/20/2024 - 18:36

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Deputy President Mashatile clarifies position of the GNU on BELA Act

Location: News

Deputy President Mashatile clarifies position of the GNU on BELA Act

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged all parties that signed the Statement of Intent to employ official processes following trade union Solidarity’s announcement of a settlement reached with the government regarding the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act.

Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube and Solidarity announced that they settled their dispute on Wednesday at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) after the union lodged a dispute concerning two sections of the Act.

In September, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Bill into law, but delayed by three months the implementation of clauses 4 and 5, which deal with school admissions and language, to make room for more discussion and deliberations after it received opposition from Solidarity, Afriforum and other sectors of society. 

However, the Office of the Deputy President said it has learned of an agreement on the BELA Act from informal channels. 

“The Office of the Deputy President has since written a letter to all members of the GNU [Government of National Unity] clarifying that the process that is referred to in the statement supposedly released by Solidarity is based on a process outside the sanctioned process of the clearing house of the parties that signed the Statement of Intent,” the office said.

The GNU clearing house mechanism, led by the Deputy President, was established by President Ramaphosa to address policy disagreements within the 10-member GNU regarding policy agreements and other disputes. 

The GNU clearing house mechanism recently formed a task team to address concerns raised by various parties regarding the BELA Act.

“According to the statement, only one party from the GNU would have been involved in a parallel process to the one sanctioned by the GNU parties and signatories of the Statement of Intent. Based on the statement, the Minister of Education and an official from government would have been complicit in this meeting. 

“The GNU and its representative parties are still engaged in a process that will be finalised soon. We call on all parties that signed the statement of intent to uphold their bona fides and cooperate with the official process,” the Deputy President said. 

According to the Deputy President’s Office, the BELA Act, like other Acts, is a product of Parliament and the President. Therefore, no intervention can diminish the importance of these key role players.

“The Deputy President assures the representatives of all political parties in the GNU clearing house mechanism that processes will unfold to manage the situation collectively with members of the GNU towards finding an amicable solution.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Fri, 11/29/2024 - 14:39

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Government welcomes S&P’s decision to revise SA’s outlook to positive

Location: News

Government welcomes S&P’s decision to revise SA’s outlook to positive

Government has noted and welcomed S&P Global Rating’s decision to revise South Africa’s outlook to positive from stable and affirm the sovereign’s long-term foreign and local currency debt ratings at ‘BB-’ and ‘BB’, respectively. 

According to S&P, the positive outlook reflects the agency’s view that increased political stability following the May 2024 general elections and impetus for reform could boost private investment and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.

“S&P further states that since the formation of the new broad coalition of 11 political parties under the Government of National Unity (GNU), debt yields and portfolio inflows have improved, leading to easing financing conditions and currency strengthening,” the National Treasury said in a statement.

According to S&P, despite the government publishing weaker fiscal projections in the most recent Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) compared with those it published in the February 2024 Budget Review, the agency sees higher fiscal policy predictability regarding efforts towards achieving primary surpluses and fiscal consolidation. 

The National Treasury highlighted that government’s strategy focuses on achieving fiscal sustainability, supporting economic growth and critical social services, and addressing significant fiscal and economic risks.

The four pillars of the economic growth strategy are maintaining macroeconomic stability; implementing structural reforms; building state capability and supporting growth-enhancing public infrastructure investment. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Sun, 11/17/2024 - 11:14

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Private sector an important player in education sector

Location: News

Private sector an important player in education sector

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has called on the private sector to consider taking their involvement in the education sector to the next level. 

The Minister highlighted that the private sector has the resources, expertise, and capacity to make an enormous impact on the education landscape. 

In addition, the country has seen more private sector entities involved in education initiatives investing in infrastructure, providing technology, supporting teacher training, and even partnering with educational institutions to design relevant, future-oriented curricula. 

The Minister was addressing the Partnerships for Education Business Breakfast held at the Johannesburg Council for The Disabled (JOCOD) in Lenasia on Monday. 

The business breakfast was designed to foster meaningful dialogue and establish partnerships to alleviate budgetary constraints in the education sector. 

Minister Gwarube used the event to outline her strategic priorities for the seventh administration and to discuss how the public-private sector collaboration can drive sustainable improvements in the education system.

“Today, I want to call on our private sector partners to consider taking their involvement in the education sector to the next level. 

“As South Africa’s seventh administration in the Government of National Unity [GNU], we are fully committed to improving education outcomes across the country. 

“We recognise that this cannot be achieved by government alone. The private sector has a significant role to play, and we are here to facilitate, support, and collaborate with you in ways that make the greatest impact,” she said, adding that a step-change investment in education means more than just financial support, it means active participation. 

The Minister invited the private sector partners to work closely with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to co-create programs that build the skills needed for a competitive and productive economy. 

“We need your input, your insights, and your innovation to help shape our education system in a way that prepares learners for real-world challenges and opportunities.”

Investing in quality education

With the country having ushered in a GNU in May, the Minister emphasised that education was an important issue that everyone can agree on, regardlessof their political inclinations.

She said every single South African has a vested interest in the quality of the nation’s education sector while adding that since the dawn of democracy, much has been done to provide access to basic education.

However, 30 years later, she said the nation now needed to shift its focus to quality education.

The Minister referred to an international study that revealed that about the 80% of learners who were tested (as a sample) could not read for meaning in any language.

While this was a small sample, she said that this was gravely concerning.

“If we do not fix literacy – which is reading, writing and counting – the DBE had failed on its core function. This is why every single priority in the seventh administration speaks to this goal.

“We must make sure through early child learning; we can achieve the goal of reading for meaning by Grade 4. Government has a tendency to focus only on the quality of outcomes like the matric pass rate – but not on the foundations of learning.

“I endeavour to reorientate this planning and thinking. Let us get the basics right and we will achieve a great deal in the education sector,” the Minister said. 

Minister Gwarube emphasised that quality education is the foundation upon which the country can build a prosperous future. 

“It is the tool that will empower our young people to innovate, to lead, and to contribute meaningfully to their communities and economies. 

“However, to achieve this, our education systems must be strong, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of a modern workforce.”

She further emphasised the need to provide not only foundational literacy and numeracy but also the skills necessary for the jobs and challenges of the 21st century which are digital literacy, critical thinking, adaptability, and creativity.

Priorities 

Touching on the priorities, the Minister said the 7th Administration has identified several key priorities which include improved access to and strengthen the quality of Early Childhood Development (ECD). 

“A strong foundation is important for literacy and numeracy. Early Childhood Development sets the stage for lifelong learning and personal development. We want every child in South Africa to leave our ECDs with a solid foundation in reading and counting,” the Minister said. 

Other priorities are improving literacy and numeracy across all phases of schooling, special education, accelerated teacher development and safety in schools. 

“Learners need safe, conducive environments where they can focus on their studies without interruption. This includes basic facilities such as dignified flushing toilets, but also learning environments free from crime, extortion rackets, contaminated food products and other dangerous chemical,” she said. 

The Minister noted the high number of learners who have fallen ill and children from Naledi in Gauteng who tragically lost their lives due to food bought from local spaza shops and consumed on school premises. 

“Last week Wednesday I began a process to ban the dangerous chemical known as organophosphate from all schools in South Africa. This is a proactive measure to prevent the risk of this chemical ever being used as a pesticide in any of our schools,” she said.

READ | Food poisoning incidents managed at highest level, says President Ramaphosa
 – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 11/11/2024 - 14:39

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Imbizo a “demonstration of GNU at work”

Location: News

Imbizo a "demonstration of GNU at work"

President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the KwaZulu-Natal District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo as a powerful example of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in action. 

The President underscored the collaborative efforts of various political leaders to address pressing community issues. 

Addressing community members at the Umnini Sportsfield in Umgababa, the President said the imbizo was a fairly productive session. 

“As I end, I think we have held a fairly productive imbizo session. Today has been a clear demonstration of how our Government of National Unity is also working. I have Ministers from our various political parties that are part of the GNU. 

“I would like to thank them all and I want all the parties in the GNU to see the value of izimbizo. They are important because they enable us to interact with our people and hear their views, and answer their questions and at the same time, follow up on their issues that they have raised,” the President said. 

The Presidential Imbizo is a platform for communities to interact with government leaders from all three spheres of government on service delivery challenges, and for the executive to respond to the community on what they are doing to resolve those issues. 

Community members gathered at the Umnini Sportsfield raised issues such as crime, unemployment, the rising cost of living and matters concerning education. 

The South African Democratic Teachers Union asked President Ramaphosa to intervene on the issue of safety and security at KwaZulu-Natal schools, highlighting previous incidents where teachers were attacked, shot and killed at schools.

Before the Ministers took to the podium to respond to the above issues, President Ramaphosa apologised for the delayed start due to technical issues, stressing the need for better preparedness at such events.

Ministers in the GNU accompanying the President responded to the issues respectively and promised residents that they will follow up and provide solutions. 

Turning to the City of eThekwini municipality, the President also spoke about plans to rejuvenate Durban’s tourism sector, which has historically made the city the "holiday mecca" of South Africa. 

With tourism numbers currently in decline, President Ramaphosa expressed optimism for a revival through the planned reopening of key hotels like the Hilton and lease renewals for iconic establishments such as the Maharani and Elangeni.

“Durban has been the holiday mecca of our country. Many people from all over the country have always considered Durban when they needed to go on a holiday. 

“Tourisms in the province has gone down but the mayor has plans to revive big hotels such as the Hilton Hotel and the renewal of leases by Southern Sun of the Maharani and Elangeni Hotel.

“The business sector has pledged to invest billions of rands to revive tourism, so I am looking forward to the revival of tourism so that Durban can go back to being the jewel of South African tourism. It must once again become the mecca of tourism in SA,” the President said. 

Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille said that her department is working hard to rebuild the tourism sector in the province. 

“Tourism is a very important sector for this province. It is making a significant contribution to the GDP and economic growth of the province. The tourism sector has gone down in KZN, but we are working hard with the Presidential Task Team and the private sector to rebuild it.” 

The Minister said that she has already agreed with the KZN Premier that they will be meeting as a matter of urgency so they can see how they can work together with the plans of the province to do an aggressive marketing campaign to deal with all the negative perceptions around the province. 

“For the summer season, the department partnered with the private sector and already we have 440 private sector tourist attractions that are offering discounted deals for the summer season and I want to encourage all South Africans to look at the Shot left site and check the discounts,” de Lille said.

The President also drew attention to ongoing infrastructure challenges, particularly highlighting the partial collapse of a bridge on the N2 highway, which has disrupted local transportation. 

He expressed confidence in South African engineers, who have devised a plan to restore the bridge, calling it a testament to the country’s engineering expertise. 

“In the morning, I went to the N2 bridge that partially collapsed. The bridge is causing a lot of inconvenience for the people, as it is an important road on the N2," the President said. - SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 11/08/2024 - 19:08

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Read moreImbizo a “demonstration of GNU at work”

KZN communities raise concerns at Presidential Imbizo

Location: News

KZN communities raise concerns at Presidential Imbizo

Crime, access to water and jobs have been raised as bugbears for communities in KwaZulu-Natal, the District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo heard on Friday.

Umlazi resident, Sizakele Mpanza, raised concern about the high crime rate in the area, appealing to the President to intervene.

“We are concerned about what is happening. We are living in fear… we can’t even send our children to the shops because we are afraid they will be robbed by these criminals,” Mpanza said.

Mpanza appealed for more police visibility in their community, as well as a satellite police station.

Mziwendoda Sikhakhane from Richards Bay told SAnews that if given a chance to speak to the President, he will ask the President to create more job opportunities, especially for young people.

“Our youth are roaming the streets doing nothing and yet they have qualifications. I am appealing to our government to create more job opportunities,” Sikhakhane said.

Sikhakhane also raised the provision of water as an important factor for communities.

“We are struggling in our community; we don’t have water. We struggle to get water, sometimes we go for days without water,” he said.

Sikhakhane and Mpanza are among the many community members attending the imbizo, which is led by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Umnini Sportsfield in Umgababa.

Cabinet adopted the DDM in August 2019. The DDM is an integrated planning model for cooperative governance, which seeks to be an integrated, district-based, service delivery approach aimed at fast-tracking service delivery. It also seeks to ensure that municipalities are adequately supported and resourced to carry out their mandate.

Friday’s imbizo is the second DDM Presidential Imbizo under the Government of National Unity (GNU). The occasion provides the President, Ministers and KwaZulu-Natal provincial government officials an opportunity to listen to the concerns of communities and respond to them.

Lindiwe Dlamini from Umlazi, a nearby location, raised concern about the slow pace of service delivery.

“We have been waiting for too long. We kept on enquiring from the municipality but we are not getting answers. I am glad the President is here. We hope we are going to get answers today,” Dlamini said.

President Ramaphosa kicked-off the imbizo by visiting the N2 bridge, which partially collapsed earlier this week due to heavy rains.

Upon his arrival, the President was briefed about the damage by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and the South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) officials, who said the bridge will be fixed and operational by next month.

After being briefed, President Ramaphosa and his entourage proceeded to Umnini Sportsfield, where communities were given a chance to express their concerns.

The DDM Presidential Imbizo is an important public participation platform that ensures the voices and perspectives of communities are heard to advance a participatory democracy.

The imbizo continues . – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 11/08/2024 - 14:41

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Read moreKZN communities raise concerns at Presidential Imbizo