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GOOD Statement by Wesley Neumann,GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor 09 April 2025 The City of Cape Town’s poor maintenance in marginalized communities has left a 6-year-old in hospital after a park outing. According to reports, Adyaan Benjamin suffered extensive leg and facial injuries when the chain of a swing snapped at the York Street […]
The post CAPE TOWN’S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PUBLIC PARKS CONCERNING appeared first on For Good.
Several social housing projects in Cape Town will go to tender this year
The City of Cape Town’s failure to adequately prepare for seasonal challenges is once again on full display. This summer, the city was caught off guard when it failed to open all public pools for the peak season, and now, with today's heavy rains, we are seeing history repeat itself. The Urban Mobility Department’s inability to provide effective service delivery is evident in the widespread flooding caused by blocked stormwater drains.
The post CAPE TOWN’S WINTER PREP FALLS SHORT appeared first on For Good.
GOOD Statement by Brett Herron,GOOD Secretary-General 08 April 2025 The GOOD Party was shocked to see footage of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) being deployed to Matatiele in the Eastern Cape during the #JusticeForCwecwe demonstrations. These peaceful protests, which have taken place across the country, aim to raise awareness about the rampant issue […]
The post JUSTICEFORCWECWE: UNNECESSARY SANDF DEPLOYMENT IN MATATIELE appeared first on For Good.
GOOD Statement by Brett Herron,GOOD Secretary-General 07 April 2025 With talks about aspects of the 2025 national budget continuing, despite Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana having already gazetting the Rates and Monetary Amounts and Amendment of Revenue Laws Bill, the GOOD Party will focus on being a constructive voice in the room. Tomorrow, parties who supported […]
The post BUDGET IMBROGLIO: WHEN THE POLITICKING STOPS, THERE ARE CONSTRUCTIVE ALTERNATIVES TO VAT RISE AND BRACKET CREEP appeared first on For Good.
SA advocates for linguistic equity in AI at G20
South Africa has called on the Group of Twenty (G20) members to support initiatives that develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) in low-resource languages and share data and tools to make this possible.
Addressing the Meeting of the G20 Digital Economy Working Group Task Force on AI, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, said there were over 7 000 languages spoken in the world, yet most AI models and digital content is trained on a tiny fraction of these – predominantly English and a handful of others.
“We know that AI is only as good as the data and algorithms it is built on and currently, both of these have serious gaps. One glaring gap is the linguistic and cultural diversity deficit in AI systems.
“This linguistic inequity is not just a cultural loss; it’s a practical barrier that threatens to exclude billions from the AI-driven digital economy,” the Minister said on Monday in Gqeberha.
He emphasised that AI must not only be looked at from a technology perspective, but from the standpoint of social impact.
“We must investigate how AI can help us achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. How can it improve healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance? Beyond language, ethical AI governance requires addressing issues of bias, transparency, and accountability.
“We have seen instances of AI algorithms that exhibit racial or gender bias in hiring, lending, or policing. These are systemic harms we have to root out. During our Task Force discussions, we must consider how G20 nations can share best practices on AI governance, including regulatory approaches and standards to ensure AI safety and trustworthiness,” Malatsi said.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency has set inclusion and equity at the heart of the digital agenda.
The G20 Presidency will focus on four key pillars that include bridging the digital divide with meaningful connectivity; building inclusive digital public infrastructure; nurturing innovation ecosystems for local development and championing ethical AI that respects diverse languages, cultures, and values.
“We cannot allow a new form of digital inequality to take hold in our world. We need to unite our efforts, North and South, public and private, to invest in connectivity for all. This means mobilising financing for digital infrastructure, sharing innovations to lower costs, and collaborating on policies to make internet access affordable for the poorest,” the Minister said.
The International Telecommunication Union indicates that roughly 2.9 billion people still don’t have internet access at all.
“While most of these individuals live within range of mobile broadband networks, they remain offline due to multiple factors ranging from high data costs, lack of affordable smart devices and limited digital skills. Infrastructure alone is no longer enough; the real barriers are economic, educational, and linguistic.
“And they demand our immediate collective attention. The socio-economic benefits of closing the digital divide are enormous. We cannot allow a new form of digital inequality to take hold in our world,” he said.
According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), bringing the currently offline population onto the internet could add $3.5 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with 90% of the benefits flowing to developing countries.
“We propose that G20 members share strategies on supporting start-ups and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) – from startup financing initiatives to innovation hubs and tech parks, from simplifying regulatory burdens to providing mentorship networks.
“Let us commit to growing the digital innovation ecosystem in all our countries. As we discuss policy frameworks, we must also consider the idea of an innovation fund or facility to support digital entrepreneurship in underserved regions, an idea that has been floated with the notion of a possible global fund for AI and digital innovation.
“If we want a truly global digital economy, we must ensure that innovation knows no borders – that brilliant ideas from Africa, Asia, or Latin America can find the resources and support to grow,” Malatsi said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 04/07/2025 - 14:42
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GOOD Statement by Suzette Little,GOOD Deputy Secretary-General & City of Cape Town Councillor 07 April 2025 A Cape Town resident has lodged a formal accusation against Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, alleging that the Mayor has abused his position of power and is engaging in harassment (Bothasig SAPS, ref nr CAS 167/3/2025). According to the complainant, who […]
The post CAPE TOWN MAYOR ACCUSED OF ABUSING POWER IN NEIGHBOURHOOD FEUD appeared first on For Good.
New Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of IDT elected
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has welcomed the election of Zimbini Hill as the Chairperson and Professor Raymond Nkado as the Deputy Chairperson of the Independent Development Trust (IDT).
Hill is the former interim chairperson of the IDT, with 20 years' experience as an executive leader in sectors ranging from financial services to public sector governance. She holds an MBA in Finance from Cass Business School at the City University of London.
Professor Nkado is the former Executive Dean for the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the University of the Witwatersrand, former President of the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professionals. He holds a PMP qualification from the Project Management Institute of the United States.
“The Minister met with the Board this morning to welcome the latest appointments and wish them success for the remainder of their term,” the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said in a statement on Monday.
Thereafter, the Board met with just the trustees to elect a Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson from among its members.
“Today's board meeting brings about much needed stability to the IDT and brings an end to vacancies that have existed at the entity for the last 18 months.
“The new board will now have to deal with several challenges currently facing the IDT, including ensuring full compliance with the ongoing PWC investigation into the PSA Oxygen Plant Tender, restoring public trusts in the IDT and putting the entity back onto a pathway of good, clean, and transparent governance,” the department said.
READ | Macpherson welcomes PwC probe into R800m oxygen plant tender. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 04/07/2025 - 13:38
74 views
GOOD Speech by Brett Herron,GOOD Secretary-General & Member of the Western Cape Parliament 07 April 2025 *Note to editor: This speech was delivered by GOOD Secretary-General & Member of the Western Cape Parliament Brett Herron during today’s debate on the Western Cape Education Budget (Vote 05) Every year, as the budget approaches, we hear grand […]
The post WESTERN CAPE EDUCATION BUDGET: UNDERFUNDED AND UNDERVALUED appeared first on For Good.
JOHANNESBURG: The Hollywoodbets Dolphins narrowly missed out on a place in the Division 1 4Day Series final after suffering an agonising...
Budget 2025 vital for economic growth and poverty alleviation
In his weekly newsletter, President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the crucial role of the 2025 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals, which were recently passed by Parliament, in driving economic growth and relieving the effects of poverty.
The budget – tabled by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in Parliament last month – was passed by Parliament last week.
“The 2025 Budget is directed at growing the economy and supporting the livelihoods of our people.
“It is a critical instrument to drive development, eradicate poverty and narrow inequality. At a time of constrained economic growth and narrow fiscal space, the budget must direct sufficient resources to activities that encourage inclusive growth and lay the groundwork for sustained economic recovery.
“It reflects the strategic priorities of the Government of National Unity: inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living and building a capable, ethical and developmental state,” he said.
Uplifting the nation
The budget has a strong focus on the social wage with 61% of resources directed at, amongst others, healthcare, education, housing and social grants.
“Over the past 24 years we have implemented an indigent policy under which free water, electricity and sanitation services are provided to qualifying households.
“Social grants, like the childcare, old age and disability grants, are another tool for alleviating poverty. This year, the value of these grants will increase at above inflation. The Social Relief of Distress grant, which has played an important role in poverty alleviation, will also be extended for another year," President Ramaphosa said.
As part of improving access to healthcare, the President said there will be a higher allocation of funding to clinics and community health centres.
He said government is investing in the recruitment and retention of health personnel, particularly doctors and nurses, and to employ newly qualified doctors after their community service ends.
The budget also allocates substantial funding to “other frontline services such as teachers, police, emergency personnel and the Border Management Authority”.
“Improving educational outcomes is key to community upliftment, development and producing the skills needed by our economy. Budgetary allocations have been made to support teacher training, for expanded mother-tongue bilingual education and for early reading programmes.
“This year sees a substantial investment in early childhood development, reflecting our commitment to establishing a solid foundation for the development of every child,” the President added.
Funding for public employment programmes and to support small businesses has also been allocated.
Driving growth
President Ramaphosa noted sustaining expenditure on the social wage requires “higher levels of economic growth”.
“The budget allocates considerable resources to encourage infrastructure development, which drives growth and job creation.
“Taken together, up to R1 trillion will be spent on infrastructure over the medium term. This includes the allocation in this budget of an additional R62 billion over the next three years for road maintenance, electricity transmission lines, water and sanitation projects, school infrastructure and to support the ongoing recovery of our rail networks.
“Support is also provided to other growth enhancing measures in the medium term, including incentive programmes in automotive, business process outsourcing, special economic zones, electric vehicle production, clothing and textiles, and other sectors,” he said.
South Africa’s municipalities will also receive adjusted budget allocations to help them address infrastructure needs and improve service delivery.
“In a challenging economic environment – both locally and globally – this year’s budget supports measures to drive growth and relieve the effects of poverty. At the same time, it aims to stabilise public finances and continue to reduce our national debt.
“The budget reflects the priorities of Government’s Medium Term Development Plan, a five-year programme of action that prioritises rapid, inclusive growth, creating a more just society and building state capacity.
“At a time when our singular focus must be the South African people, we need to use the limited resources we have to work together for the common good,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 04/07/2025 - 09:37
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JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today announced the 15-player South African Under-19 (SA U19) squad set to tour Namibia...
Police summit to elevate crime fighting efforts
President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the opening of the Police Summit on Tuesday in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.
The inaugural Police Summit takes place under the theme: “Efficiency in Action: Optimising South Africa's Policing Potential", aligning with Chapter 12 of the National Development Plan (NDP) on Building Safer Communities.
“The summit will address the high levels of crime in South Africa by reflecting on current policing approaches and developing more effective methods for the South African Police Service (SAPS),” the Presidency said in a statement.
To achieve the 2030 NDP objective, the three-day summit will focus on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of SAPS in combating crime.
“It will cover four broad themes with related breakaway discussions, focusing on proven policing strategies that have reduced crime and enhanced community safety, adaptation to dynamic changes in modern policing, the transformative role of technology in modern policing, investigation and intelligence, and building a skilled and professional workforce.
“The Police Summit will have in attendance experts and practitioners, who will have the opportunity to share critical views, ideas, and build networks for advancing social justice. It will facilitate engagement with various stakeholders, learning from good practices, and participating in discussions on innovative solutions and best practices,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 04/06/2025 - 11:52
4 views
GOOD has taken note of recent media reports indicating that Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, presented the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) report on the George Building Collapse to the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements. This important development brings the community of George one step closer to finding the answers they have been desperately seeking.
The post GEORGE BUILDING COLLAPSE: ONE STEP CLOSER TO ANSWERS AND ACCOUNTABILITY appeared first on For Good.
GOOD Statement by Anton Louw,GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor 04 April 2025 The GOOD Party is urging Cape Town residents to use the city’s rates calculator to better understand the impact of the new draft budget. After years of criticism about the Energy tariff subsidising the rates department, this has been done away with, leaving the Rates department […]
The post CAPE TOWN BUDGET 2025/26: CAUTION RISING COSTS AHEAD appeared first on For Good.
13-member Board will be advising the Home Affairs minister on matters relating to immigration policy, strategy, and implementation
GOOD Statement by Kaden Arguile ,GOOD National Youth Chairperson 04 April 2025 The deadline has come and gone for the eradication of pit latrines in South African schools. This pledge made by the Minister of Education Siviwe Gwarube has failed – just as it did under her predecessor, Angie Motshekga. The promise to eradicate pit […]
The post SAFE INITIATIVE: TIME’S UP BUT PIT LATRINES STILL PLAGUE SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOLS appeared first on For Good.
GOOD Statement by Lawrence Troon,GOOD Nelson Mandela Bay Councillor 03 April 2025 The GOOD party in Nelson Mandela Bay has submitted a motion of no confidence in the Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe following a series of concerning failures in governance and service delivery under her administration. The municipality is grappling with a significant deterioration in […]
The post NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY: GOOD DEMANDS REMOVAL OF MAYOR LOBISHE OVER FINANCIAL MISMANAGEMENT appeared first on For Good.
GOOD Statement by Lawrence Troon ,GOOD Nelson Mandela Bay Councillor 03 April 2025 GOOD condemns the recent Nelson Mandela Bay council decision to write off 50% of Premium Precision’s debt, amounting to over R32.5 million. The decision raises serious concerns about fairness and transparency. It is GOOD’s belief that Premium Precision has the ability to […]
The post NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY: CONTROVERSIAL R32.5 MILLION WRITE-OFF NEEDS FULL INVESTIGATION appeared first on For Good.
Macpherson welcomes IDT board appointments
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson has welcomed the appointment of five new trustees to the Independent Development Trust (IDT).
“The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, welcomes the Master of the High Court’s appointment of five new trustees to the Independent Development Trust. The Minister has consequently written to the IDT board, now fully quorate for the first time in a year and a half, urging members to convene urgently to elect a chairperson among themselves to ensure optimal functioning of the agency,” said the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) in a statement on Wednesday.
The five newly appointed members to the board are Zimbini Hill, Jeffrey Mahachi, Raymond Nnaemeka Nkado, Nangamso Msuthukazi Matebese, and Bella Zoleka Mnanzana.
They join Matodzi Ratshimbilani and Derek Naidoo, whom the Minister previously appointed as his representatives to the board, as well as Mpilo Mbambisa, Lufuno Nevondwe, Karabo Siyila, and Prudence Mkhwanazi, who previously served on the board.
Macpherson said there has been allegations of corruption and governance issues at the IDT. The IDT is a Schedule 2 state-owned entity which manages the implementation and delivery of critically needed social infrastructure programmes on behalf of the government.
“Officials and I have worked tirelessly since then to uncover the truth and restore governance stability after months of the board operating without a quorum,” Macpherson said.
He also expressed his good wishes to the board “as they embark on the critical task of cleaning up the agency and restoring the IDT to its rightful position in delivering social infrastructure.”
He is also looking forward to the swift conclusion of the PwC independent investigation to ensure accountability, including potential criminal prosecution, where necessary. The investigation is around the circumstances of the awarding of a controversial R800 million Oxygen Plant tender awarded by the IDT.
READ | Macpherson welcomes PwC probe into R800m oxygen plant tender
“The IDT has a crucial role in transforming South Africa into a construction site, thereby driving economic growth and, importantly, creating jobs. It is through the transparency and accountability that we have introduced at the department that we will be able to enhance service delivery and build a better South Africa,” he said. -SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 04/03/2025 - 10:09
185 views
GOOD Speech by Brett Herron,GOOD Secretary-General & Member of the Western Cape Parliament 03 April 2025 *Note to editor: This speech was delivered by GOOD Secretary-General & Member of the Western Cape Parliament Brett Herron during today’s debate on the Western Cape Budget Today, we stand at a critical juncture. The 2025 Western Cape Budget […]
The post WESTERN CAPE BUDGET: MISGUIDED PRIORITIES NEGLECTING EDUCATION AND HEALTH FOR POLICING appeared first on For Good.
Medical scientists at the University of Cape Town have been hit especially hard by funding cuts made by the US government. South Africa has many of the world’s best HIV and TB researchers. Until recently, this research excellence was widely recognised by the fact that local research groups kept winning grants to conduct critically important …
GOOD Speech by Patricia de Lille,GOOD Leader & Member of Parliament 02 April 2025 Note to editor: This speech was delivered by GOOD Leader and Member of Parliament, Patricia de Lille, during today’s consideration of the 2025 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposal Now is not the time for party posturing and politicking, but for courageous […]
The post THE NATIONAL TREASURY ALONE CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH appeared first on For Good.
On 27 March 2025, UN Women South Africa Multi-Country Office, in partnership with the Tshwane University of Technology, and the Departments of Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities, hosted a dialogue on ‘Transforming Patriarchal Masculinities for a Gender-Equal World' for 150 young people. The dialogue, which took place in Pretoria, brought together students from universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions (TVETs), and high schools from South Africa's Gauteng Province.
The dialogue, supported by the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, was convened to compile youth recommendations for the upcoming Women Empowerment Ministerial Working Group (W20) meeting to be held later this year as part of the support to South Africa's G20 Presidency in 2025.
One of the pillars of South Africa's National Strategic Plan (NSP) on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) served as the basis for the dialogue. Pillar 2 of the NSP on GBVF focuses on unlearning toxic masculinities and embracing alternative positive forms of masculinity. This was seen as a key strategy in a country where more than one-third of women have been subjected to violence at least once in their lifetime.
"Engaging young men and boys as allies in gender equality is critical for addressing the root causes of gender-based violence and patriarchy in our society," said Aleta Miller, UN Women Representative for the South Africa Multi-Country Office. "The dialogue creates a valuable platform to amplify the voices of young people to influence global policy discussions on gender equality through South Africa's G20 Presidency."
Civil society organizations, government stakeholders, youth representatives, women's movements, academic institutions, and the private sector discussed how positive, respectful, and inclusive behaviors that promote accountability can help to transform harmful social norms and prevent violence.
The dialogue began with reflections UN South Africa Resident Coordinator Nelson Muffuh and Advocate Joyce Maluleke who provided opening remarks before the keynote presentations. Two impactful presentations were delivered by Professor Langa Malose from Wits University and Rahul Gandhi from the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies. Both shared their experiences to explain how their views about masculinity and its effects on society were shaped.
These were followed by two engaging panel discussions that explored ways for men and boys to serve as successful allies in gender equality promotion and gender-based violence prevention. Sibulele Poswayo from W20 South Africa and Nkere Skosana from the Department of Social Development, along with Precious Banda from Young Women of Africa, Kabelo Chabala of Primestars, Thabo Limema from Absa, and Andiswa Mthembu ofYoung Women for Life, participated in direct discussions with youth participants to create open dialogue about these essential matters.
For Gomolemo Mokemane, a TUT student, the workshop was “very enlightening” because it allowed him to hear different opinions from different stakeholders on gender-based violence. “From attending this dialogue, I walk away with the firm belief that women should be treated as equals and not as competitors or subordinates, that we are all human beings first and foremost and not men and women, and that if we embraced Ubuntu (our shared humanity and interconnectedness), many of our problems would be solved,”
Nhlanhla Ditire also gave his view on gender equality: “To make the world gender equal, men must learn that they have to respect and protect women from a young age. I was nine years old when I lost both my parents, but I told myself that I would never raise my hand on a woman.” Nhlanhla also emphasized the importance of emotional health and saying, ‘When men get angry, it's good to cry it out; crying does not mean that you are weak. Get help, get therapy. Don't break the law."
The discussions concluded with selected representative reading out commitments to gender equality that they believe leaders should consider and adopt in their policies for action towards a gender-equal world.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.