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Committee on Health Briefed on the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Funding Withdrawal and Employment of Healthcare Professionals

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Health received a comprehensive briefing from the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, regarding the recent withdrawal of funding from the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

During the briefing, Minister Motsoaledi highlighted PEPFAR's critical role in supporting various health initiatives, stating that approximately 7.8 million South Africans are living with HIV/AIDS, the highest number globally. The Minister emphasised that PEPFAR funding has been instrumental in addressing the needs of the 27 high-burden districts, which were selected for support based on specific criteria.

During the discussions on the US withdrawal of PEPFAR funding, committee members had questions about the immediate and long-term implications of this decision. Members expressed concern that the suspension of funding could lead to significant disruptions in HIV prevention and treatment services, particularly in these 27 high-burden districts that rely heavily on PEPFAR support.

The committee also questioned the contingency plans that have been put in place for maintaining service delivery, the potential impact on patient care, and how the department intends to support the healthcare workforce affected by the funding cut.

The committee sought clarity on how the government plans to address the anticipated shortfall and the measures that will be put in place to ensure that those living with HIV continue to receive the care they need.

Committee members emphasised the need for South Africa to strengthen its sovereignty in health matters and reduce reliance on foreign funding. They also highlighted that the withdrawal of PEPFAR funding serves as a wake-up call for the country to develop sustainable healthcare solutions independent of external influences.

Members urged the Minister to prioritise local production of essential medications, such as antiretrovirals (ARV), and to explore innovative funding mechanisms that could support health initiatives without depending on foreign aid. Clarifying the situation regarding ARV treatment, the Minister reiterated that South Africa relies primarily on its own budget for ARVs, with approximately 90% of the medication being locally funded.

The briefing also covered issues related to the lack of employment for healthcare professionals, including doctors, with members expressing deep concern about the rising numbers of qualified healthcare professionals who are unable to find employment in the public sector. The committee questioned the long-term implications of this trend on the healthcare sector, noting that an adequate workforce is essential for delivering effective health services, especially in underserved areas.

Committee members questioned the Minister about the current vacancy rates for medical positions and urged him to outline specific strategies for integrating newly qualified doctors into the healthcare system.

Suggestions made included the need for a streamlined recruitment process, the development of internship programmes that guarantee employment upon completion, and collaboration with provincial health departments to prioritise hiring in areas with the greatest need. The committee urged the Minister to explore strategies for absorbing newly qualified healthcare practitioners into the public healthcare system.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreCommittee on Health Briefed on the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Funding Withdrawal and Employment of Healthcare Professionals

Government, industry leaders encourages use of AI for greater good

Location: News

Government, industry leaders encourages use of AI for greater good

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has signified a fundamental change in how government interacts with citizens, disseminates information and ensures that the State’s voice reaches every corner of the nation.

This is according to Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, who addressed a Government Communicators Networking Session at Artscape in Cape Town on Wednesday night. 

“The question to which we must respond is not whether to embrace AI and the suite of technologies, but how to do so in a way that enhances rather than diminishes our communication objectives.” 

Morolong said government and its relevant stakeholders should explore how these technologies can break down language barriers, reach underserved communities, ensure the authenticity and credibility of government communications, preserve and promote indigenous knowledge systems, and enhance the skills of government communicators.

However, he stressed that in the pursuit of technological advancement, the nation must retain the human touch essential for effective public service communication.

“We must do so with a drive to leave no one behind, including our diverse skills and cultures.”

The Deputy Minister said the mission of various media platforms and government communication should be to ensure all citizens have access to empowering information that facilitates their active and productive participation in the nation.

The networking session, held on the eve of the State of the Nation Address, included a panel discussion on AI’s impact on media and government communication.

The former Dean of the Johannesburg Business School (JBS), Professor Randall Carolissen, led an important discussion about the transformative potential of AI. 

He highlighted its societal impact and emphasised the need to balance technological advancements with personal privacy and accountability.

He also stressed the importance of enabling AI while protecting privacy and ensuring explainability and fairness.

Carolissen also highlighted the dual nature of AI, noting the negative outcomes like “highly convincing” deepfake images.

The panellist emphasised the transformative potential of AI in media, highlighting its role in revolutionising content creation and distribution. 

AI was noted for its ability to enhance data processing, as exemplified by the Pan-Canadian AI strategy. 

Canada was the first country globally to create a national strategy for AI. 

In 2022, the Government of Canada proposed the AI and Data Act (AIDA) as part of Bill C-27, the Digital Charter and Implementation Act, to promote the responsible use of AI.

Practical applications of AI, such as transcription and multilingual support, were discussed, particularly in the context of South African media. 

The panellists also touched on the importance of truth and trust in media, with AI aiding in verification and deeper storytelling.

Supple Chief Operations Officer Lea-Anne Moses underscored the increasing pressure on newsrooms to perform and the declining revenues that are becoming a central issue.

“But I think there’s an opportunity in looking at business models and how we use AI to go deeper in our stories, how we use it to transcribe our notes or conduct research and get the groundwork out of the way. But let’s not outsource our thinking to AI.”

Supple is a technology company based in Britain and South Africa that provides software, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and application programming interfaces (APIs) to governmental bodies.

Associate Professor Sisanda Nkoala, who holds the Media Inclusion and Diversity Chair at the University of the Western Cape and represents the Press Council of South Africa, stressed the significance of ethical journalism and transparency in the use of AI. 

She highlighted the necessity of adapting this technology to better serve African contexts, particularly to address language barriers.

Concerns have been raised about AI ownership by large tech companies and its potential to worsen the digital divide. 

The discussion also addressed AI’s impact on education, job displacement, and the necessity for regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible use of AI.

Meanwhile, the Chief Financial Officer of Kagiso Tiso Holdings, Tshepo Setshedi, said companies that do not embrace AI will be overtaken by those that do.

“So, we need to start preparing as a country in terms of investing in this space,” he told the attendees. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the State of the Nation Address this evening at 7pm. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Thu, 02/06/2025 - 09:04

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Trump’s Aid Review Is a Win for Africa – Nations Must Reject Aid and Handouts

Location: News
African Energy Chamber

By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (wwwEnergyChamber.org).

After President Trump announced a 90-day overseas spending freeze, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said "every dollar" must be "justified" by evidence that it makes the US safer, stronger and more prosperous.

I acknowledge that stance may sound ungrateful. At first blush, many might counter that starving people have no agenda. Destitute parents still need to feed their children. Turning a blind eye to their plight is inhumane.

Let me explain why the African Energy Chamber (AEC) continues to push for free-market solutions rather than good-will handouts from USAID. There was an era when Africa and Western pop music were closely linked.

Western entertainers spearheaded a number of internationally renowned events to raise awareness about the plight of starving Africans and generate funds for famine relief.

In December 1984, the supergroup Band Aid sang about feeding the world, asking “Do They Know it's Christmas?” Within a year, the group had raised over $9 million. Three months later, USA for Africa released “We Are the World” and banked $44.5 million after one year for its African humanitarian fund. Then on a hot July day in 1985, the worldwide concert event Live Aid raised more than $150 million for famine relief in Africa.

These are just a handful of grand and noble gestures intended to lift Africa out of poverty. These famous events arguably raised both awareness and funds. Unfortunately, the efforts — and others like them — fall far short of making any real socioeconomic change. In fact, some argue that injecting monetary aid into Africa, time and time again, has actually done more harm than good.

History of ‘Help'

Even aid genuinely given to help Africa tends to do more harm than good.

Since 1960, more than $2.6 trillion has been pumped into Africa in the form of aid. From 1970 and 1998, when aid was at its peak, poverty actually rose alarmingly — from 11% to 66% — due in large part to this massive influx of foreign aid that counteracted its intended good.

Aid decreased long-term economic growth by fuelling systemic corruption, in which powerful aid recipients funnelled foreign funds into a personal stash instead of public investment. Many leaders realized that they no longer needed to invest in social programs for their constituents because of the revenues from foreign donors.

Large inflows of aid also caused higher inflation, hindering African nations' international competitiveness in exporting. That resulted in diminishing the manufacturing sector – which is critical in helping developing economies grow — across the continent. And well-intentioned Westerners who saw the economic shrink just kept pouring more and more money at “the problem” — leading to a vicious cycle that furthered corruption and economic decline.

But here's the kicker: The World Bank has admitted that 75% of the agricultural projects it implemented to help Africa failed. So why do they and other aid providers continue to fund these failing efforts?

Examples of Failure

Across the continent, we see example after example of failed aid projects, with agricultural projects routinely providing little or no benefit to African farmers.

In Mali, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) injected $10 million into “Operation Mils Mopti” to increase grain production. The government imposed “official” prices on the grain, which forced farmers to sell their crops at these below-market rates and resulted in grain production falling by 80%. 

USAID also spent $4 million to help livestock producers grow the number of cattle in the Bakel region from 11,200 to 25,000 — but ultimately only succeeded in increasing it by 882 head. Another $7 million was injected into the Sodespt region, but that investment managed to sell only 263 cattle and failed to sell any goats or sheep.

Then we see example after example of Westerners wastefully “helping” without any understanding of the local situation. Norwegian aid agencies built a fish-freezing plant to improve employment in northern Kenya — a region where the local people traditionally do not fish because of their semi-nomadic pastoralist lifestyle. Couple the lack of fishing experience with the unfortunate reality that the plant required more power than was available in the entire region, and the result was that the brand-new processing plant sat idle.

The World Bank financed a $10+ million expansion of Tanzania's cashew-processing capabilities, which resulted in 11 factories with the capacity to process three times as many cashews as the country was growing on a yearly basis. The plants were too efficient for the available workforce and cost so much to run that it was cheaper to process the raw nuts in India. Half the plants were inoperable, and the other half only ran at about 20% capacity.

I'm not saying that we Africans are ungrateful for the outpouring of heartfelt care. The compassion of the West is certainly real. However, the outcome of said compassion is the concern: The more foreign aid African governments receive, the worse they perform. As long as the aid keeps flowing, government leaders and their employees who administer development programs may prosper while the rest of the citizenry continues to suffer the effects of a mismanaged economy.

Questionable Benefits

We also must acknowledge that, in far too many cases, aid has also been given to African nations and communities in attempts to manipulate and control.

“While hungry faces are used on posters and in media reports to sell the virtues of foreign aid, it is the hungry who rarely see any of the funds,” James Peron, executive director of the Institute for Liberal Values in Johannesburg, South Africa, lamented in a piece for the Foundation for Economic Education. “Poverty may be used to justify the programs, but the aid is almost always given in the form of government-to-government transfers. And once the aid is in the hands of the state it is used for purposes conducive to the ruling regime's own purposes.”

And now we witness the international community talking about aid for African countries as a substitute for our oil and gas activities. Western environmentalists argue that Africa should keep all of its petroleum resources in the ground to prevent further climate change. In exchange for that sacrifice, African nations would be compensated and inject that money into other opportunities like developing their sustainable energy technologies.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: What a horrible idea!

I‘m offended by foreign stakeholders feeling that providing humanitarian assistance gives them the right to influence our domestic decisions. With Africa poised to participate in the worldwide energy transition, my fear is that international donors will feel justified to dictate Africa's policy regarding the lengths to which, and speed with which, our energy transition occurs. This would be a huge step backward in our energy, economic, and even individual independence.

Aid packages to incentivize giving up our oil and gas operations will be detrimental to Africans. Because let's be honest: History has shown that this assistance could never replace the oil and gas industry's ability to create jobs and business opportunities, grow local capacity, open the door to technology sharing, facilitate economic growth, and alleviate energy poverty.

Instead of continuing a pattern that clearly does more harm than good, why aren't African nations encouraged to leverage the wealth of resources at our feet?

The AEC is determined to make a case for African nations harnessing their oil and gas solutions to help themselves. We will not be bullied, or manipulated with aid, into a path that is not in our best interests.

Use What We Have!

One reason why the AEC is an outspoken advocate for Africa's oil and gas industry is because it represents more than big revenue for African governments. It is a free-market solution that creates pathways for Africans to help themselves. And, ultimately, empowering Africans is our number one goal.

We endorse an energy mix approach that allows Africa to use and sell our own hydrocarbon reserves to alleviate energy poverty, while at the same time moving toward a future in which renewable energy sources power the continent. The energy mix method can help more people more quickly because it takes a practical, people-first approach to helping those who have traditionally been left behind by the energy sector, while moving us toward greener energy sources.

Natural gas, in particular, can transform African lives and communities. Its potential benefits range from eradicating energy poverty to allowing Africans to develop skills for good jobs to creating hope for our youth.

Ramping up gas production to help alleviate the lack of access to electricity will create thousands of new employment opportunities in Africa. In addition, the new sources of energy can be exported to Western countries and also used to industrialized Africa. Then, as Europe transitions to alternative energy, a larger portion of Africa's natural gas can power domestic needs. By the time other countries complete their transitions to carbon-neutral sources, Africa will have a much more expansive and reliable grid system, which will allow for an easier transition.

And before we argue about the evils of hydrocarbons, let me point out that, although it might seem counterintuitive, it is possible for Africa to make use of its abundant fossil fuels while moving toward a future sustained by renewable energy sources. In fact, I believe that African nations must do everything they can to ensure that these two things work in tandem. Considering that 600 million people on the continent have no access to electricity and 900 million people lack access to clean cooking technologies, it's impossible — if not altogether inhumane — to discuss climate change without looking at energy poverty.

As I recently wrote in an article published by Medium, we cannot transition from the dark to the dark. We must deliver energy to the people of Africa and then worry about transitioning to environmentally friendly alternatives, just like we have everywhere else in the world.

This has been our platform, and we will continue to stand by it in 2025 and beyond. Looking at Africa and only pushing for aid is not in the interest of the everyday Africans. It caters to the egos of the elites and latte intellectuals who believe they have the solutions to why the continent is still poor.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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African Energy Chamber
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Read moreTrump’s Aid Review Is a Win for Africa – Nations Must Reject Aid and Handouts

GCIS reaches out to Hammanskraal residents ahead of SONA

Location: News

GCIS reaches out to Hammanskraal residents ahead of SONA

By Sebjalo Rachuene and Boipelo Sefoka

Officials from the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) have undertaken an awareness campaign in Hammanskraal, Gauteng, aimed at raising awareness on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) and services offered by the GCIS.

Held late last week at Kopanong Complex, the community outreach was supported by staff members from the GCIS Information Resource Centre (IRC), the Gauteng GCIS branch and those from the Office of the Public Protector.

The engagement was also an opportunity for the GCIS to spread the message of food safety, in light of recent incidents where young lives have been lost due to foodborne illnesses.

The GCIS plays a critical role in ensuring that South Africans have access to accurate and up-to-date government information. During the campaign, officials engaged with community members, highlighting the significance of the SONA, where the President will outline the government's priorities, policies, and plans for the year.

“By informing the public about the upcoming address, the initiative aimed to encourage greater civic participation and awareness of national developments that directly impact communities like Hammanskraal.

“The campaign placed a strong emphasis on food safety awareness. Given past concerns about foodborne illnesses and water safety in Hammanskraal, the initiative sought to educate residents on best practices for food handling, storage, and hygiene.

“Through informative discussions and distributed materials, the team provided valuable guidance on preventing food contamination, ensuring proper sanitation, and making healthier food choices to protect families from potential health risks.

“The campaign saw active participation from local residents, who welcomed the opportunity to engage with government representatives and community leaders. The presence of the Office of the Public Protector further reinforced government's commitment to transparency, accountability, and service delivery,” the GCIS said in a statement.

By bringing together the GCIS, local government representatives and public sector partners, the initiative successfully strengthened communication between government and the people, ensuring that essential information reaches those who need it most.

With the State of the Nation Address scheduled for 7pm tonight, such awareness initiatives remain vital in keeping citizens informed and engaged in the country's democratic processes. 

The food safety awareness aspect of the campaign also plays a crucial role in improving public health and ensuring the well-being of communities.

The GCIS and its partners continue to work toward bridging the gap between government and the people, fostering transparency, and empowering citizens with knowledge that impacts their daily lives. – SAnews.gov.za

Matona
Thu, 02/06/2025 - 10:20

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Read moreGCIS reaches out to Hammanskraal residents ahead of 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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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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President Ramaphosa to participate in joint SADC – EAC summit on the DRC

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to participate in joint SADC – EAC summit on the DRC

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to embark on a working visit to Dar Es Salaam in the United Republic of Tanzania on Saturday, to participate in the joint Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) – East Africa Community (EAC) Heads of State and Government Summit on the security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

This was announced on Wednesday by Presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, during a media briefing at the Imbizo Media Centre in Cape Town to update on the President’s programme and address recent developments of interest.

“The Heads of State and Government of SADC and the EAC agreed to meet urgently following their respective extraordinary summits held last month to deliberate on the way forward regarding the security situation in the DRC,” Magwenya said. 

The joint SADC – EAC Summit will be preceded by Senior Officials and Foreign Ministers Meetings taking place on 6 and 7 February 2025. 

The Extraordinary SADC Summit held last month mandated the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation to engage all State and non-State parties to the conflict on a ceasefire process to protect lives and facilitate a smooth flow of humanitarian support to people and communities affected by the armed conflict.

It also urged Political and Diplomatic leaders who are parties to the conflict to engage in a coordinated effort of dialogue, including supporting the Luanda Process, United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and others, to restore peace and security in Eastern DRC.

READ | SADC Extraordinary Summit condemns escalating violence in DRC, calls for urgent action

SONA Debate Reply

President Ramaphosa will deliver his reply to the State of the Nation debate on 13 February 2025. 

Magwenya said the President looks forward to a constructive and substantively enriching debate that will follow his SONA address. 

38th AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government

President Ramaphosa is also expected to lead the South African delegation to the 38th African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

“President Ramaphosa will lead the South African Delegation to the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the AU, which is taking place on 15 and 16 February 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He will be accompanied by several Ministers and senior officials,” Magwenya said. 

The Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU will be held under the theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”. 

It will review and assess what has been achieved in Africa’s efforts towards the attainment of long overdue justice and reparations after decades of colonialism and apartheid. 

“The assembly is taking place two months after South Africa assumed its Presidency of the G20 in 2025. The Summit will be a unique opportunity for President Ramaphosa to brief his counterparts on the key priorities of South Africa’s G20 Presidency and their alignment to Agenda 2063. The high-level meeting on the G20 will take place on 15 February 2025, on the margins of the summit,” he said. 

One of the main objectives of the forthcoming assembly is to elect the new senior leadership of the AU Commission, Chairperson and a Deputy Chairperson of the Commission. There are three candidates vying for the Chairperson position, while four candidates are contesting the Deputy Chairperson position. It will also appoint the six Commissioners following the endorsement by the Executive Council. 

“The summit is expected to discuss the status of Peace and Security on the continent. The discussion on peace and security on the continent will take place against the backdrop of great concerns regarding the state of peace and security on the continent, including the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The discussions on the peace and security situation in Sudan and South Sudan will also feature prominently during the summit,” Magwenya said. 

The President, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan, also known as the C-5, will convene an extended meeting on South Sudan to include key countries in the Eastern Region such as Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda. The current President of South Sudan, President Silva Kiir will also be in attendance. 

South Africa will participate in the exchange of views on issues such as AUDA-NEPAD, APRM and Climate Change on the margins of the AU Summit. There will also be a review and assessment of the implementation of the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a critical flagship project of Agenda 2063.

G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting

President Ramaphosa will, on 20 February 2025, host the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting at the NASREC EXPO Centre, in Gauteng. 

Issues for discussion include the current geopolitical dynamics, as well as the President's reflection on South Africa’s G20 Presidency High–Level Deliverables and the Review of the G20 @20. 

South Africa’s G20 Presidency commenced on 1 December 2024 under the theme, “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.

Basic Education Sector Lekgotla

President Ramaphosa will deliver a keynote address on 27 February 2025 at the Basic Education Lekgotla.

The Department of Basic Education will host the Basic Education Sector Lekgotla at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre, Johannesburg. 

The theme of the 2025 Lekgotla is “Strengthening foundations for Learning for a resilient future-fit education system”. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 14:07

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Fine weather conditions ahead for SONA

Location: News

Fine weather conditions ahead for SONA

With less than a day until President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Cape Town, attendees of the joint sitting of Parliament can expect fine weather conditions.

“We are expecting fine weather conditions with a minimum of 17°C and a maximum of 24°C. For the Western Cape, there will be a 30% chance of showers and rain along the south coast but it will be a fine day with no precipitation in Cape Town,” South African Weather Service (SAWS) Meteorologist and Forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela told SAnews on Wednesday.

The joint sitting will see attendees, including Members of Parliament (MPs) and invited guests, walking the red carpet ahead of the President’s speech.

Winds can be expected on the southerly to south easterly direction at between 10 and 20 kilometres per hour (km/h). If there are any gusts, this will be at about 60 km/h. 

Around the coastal areas between Cape Agulhas and Cape Columbine, there could be damaging winds and waves. These conditions could result in difficulty in navigation at sea.

The President will address the nation on Thursday, 6 February, at 7 pm, at the Cape Town City Hall.

SONA is convened by the President in terms of the Constitution to provide the nation with an update on government's commitments and programme of action for the new financial year. 

It is a joint sitting of the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), presided over by the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the NCOP. The President's address is the sole item on the agenda.

This will be the first SONA of the seventh administration. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 14:36

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Nearly 2 000 guests expected to attend this year’s SONA

Location: News

Nearly 2 000 guests expected to attend this year’s SONA

Nearly 2 000 guests from various sectors are expected to flock to Cape Town to attend tomorrow’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), during which President Cyril Ramaphosa will take the nation into his confidence.

These guests represent civil society, academia, as well as traditional, religious and cultural groups. 

“Public participation has always been a cornerstone of SONA, and this tradition will continue,” National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza said on Wednesday. 

Didiza and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, were addressing a media briefing on Parliament’s preparations for the 2025 SONA.

The President will deliver the SONA to the nation at 7pm on Thursday night.

Didiza described SONA as a significant event in the country’s national calendar and crucial for shaping national discourse and establishing the tone for the year ahead.

During this event, the Head of State will reflect on various important national issues and outline the progress made on government’s commitments.

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

According to Didiza, the R6 million event, set to take place at the Cape Town City Hall, is the result of months of careful preparation and coordination. 

Some of the dignitaries expected to attend include former Presidents and Deputy Presidents of the Republic, former Speakers of the National Assembly, former Chairpersons of the National Council of Provinces, former Deputy Speakers of the National Assembly, the Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town, the Queen of the Bapedi nation, and a member of the European Union who serves as the Chairperson of the delegation for relations with South Africa.

It has been confirmed that former Presidents Thabo Mbeki, Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma will also attend.

To promote civic awareness and public engagement, Didiza announced that SONA will include a Junior Guard of Honour. 

This group will consist of 100 learners from four schools in the Western Cape, selected in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Education.

“The involvement of 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.

The event will also include a performance by the Wynberg Girls’ High School band alongside the official Parliament Choir. 

Tomorrow’s SONA will be followed by a two-day debate, with a reply from the President hosted at the Dome in the Nieuwmeester Parking Site.

The SONA proceedings will follow a full ceremonial format. This will include a 21-gun salute, an aircraft fly-past, a ceremonial guard, the singing of the national anthem, a full military band, and processions featuring provincial Speakers, Premiers, the judiciary, the Deputy President, and the President.

Didiza clarified the difference between the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) that occurred last year, marking the beginning of the seventh administration.

“OPA occurs once every five years, after general elections, to announce medium and long-term plans. SONA is an annual address that specifies short-term priorities and provides insights on the progress of the long-term targets.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 15:07

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SIU welcomes disciplinary action against nine officials

Location: News

SIU welcomes disciplinary action against nine officials

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed the outcomes of a disciplinary inquiry initiated against nine officials from the Gauteng Department of Health and the Department of Infrastructure Development. 

The officials faced charges relating to alleged irregularities in awarding contracts for refurbishing the Anglo Ashanti Hospital in 2022.

Following the SIU's consequence management recommendations, the Office of the Premier took disciplinary action against the implicated officials employed by the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) and the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID).

The SIU’s investigation uncovered evidence of financial misconduct involving several individuals from GDoH and GDID. 

The Gauteng Government acted on the SIU's recommendations and charged the officials involved. The outcome is as follows:

- Head of Infrastructure Development: GDoH was dismissed.

- Acting Head of Department: GDID was dismissed.

- Acting Director, Health Infrastructure: GDID was dismissed.

- Acting Chief Financial Officer and Head of SCM: GDID was dismissed.

- Acting Deputy Director-General, Health Branch: GDID) was dismissed.

- Project Manager, Infrastructure Development: GDoH issued with a final written warning.

- Acting Chief Director, Health Infrastructure: GDID issued with a final written warning.

- Project Manager: GDID, their contract employment ended during the hearing.

- Acting Deputy Director-General, Hospital Services: GDoH was acquitted.

The evidence gathered by the SIU indicatds that around 19 March 2020, the AngloGold Ashanti Hospital (AGA Hospital) refurbishment project began under the GDID on behalf of the GDoH.

However, during this process, no supply chain management policies or procedures were followed when procuring service providers and contractors for the refurbishment.

Furthermore, the GDoH was misled into believing that only minor renovations were needed at the AGA Hospital. 

This is a contravention of the Public Finance Management Act and National Treasury’s regulations, causing the GDoH to incur fruitless and wasteful for goods and services supplied.

The SIU was mandated through Proclamation No. R. 23 of 2020 to investigate the affairs of all State institutions regarding procurement or contracting for goods, works, and services during or in respect of the National State of Disaster by or on behalf of State institutions.

“The disciplinary actions show that state institutions are acting on the results of the SIU investigation and implementing the consequences to hold officials implicated to account, recover assets and financial losses incurred by these institutions, and prevent further losses,” said Special Investigating Unit Kaizer Kganyago. 

“We urge all state institutions to take decisive action to clean up our government and state entities from the corruption that has plagued them,” Kganyago said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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

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MPs, invited guests encouraged to wear local attire for SONA

Location: News

MPs, invited guests encouraged to wear local attire for SONA

The Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, has urged Members of Parliament (MPs) and the nearly 2 000 guests attending tomorrow’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) to support local designers.

SONA is an event where President Cyril Ramaphosa provides updates on the government’s programmes and sets the agenda for the new financial year. 

But, it is also where some MPs and bigwigs dress to the nines to make a fashion statement. 

Parliament has since partnered with Proudly South African to support the local fashion industry under the ’Wear Local at SONA’ initiative, said Mtshweni-Tsipane on Wednesday.

“The campaign aims to elevate the local fashion industry calling on the nation’s leaders to showcase South African designed and manufactured fashion at the SONA,” she said. 

In addition, Parliament has partnered with businesses in the agriculture, food, and beverage sectors to support the event.

“Some of these businesses represent the great success of our government in designating South Africa’s products as Geographical Indicators, such as in the case of the Karoo lamb and others. 

“We extend our full gratitude and appreciation to all businesses and persons who continue to sponsor this event,” she told the media.

Mtshweni-Tsipane and the National Assembly (NA) Speaker Thoko Didiza were addressing journalists in Cape Town about Parliament’s preparations for the 2025 SONA.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa will be ushered by Inako Mateza, a 19-year-old Xhosa praise singer from the Eastern Cape, which aligns with long-standing traditions.

She took a moment to express sincere gratitude to the informal traders for their continued cooperation since Cape Town City Hall became the venue for the SONA after the 2022 fire that damaged the parliamentary complex. 

“While we acknowledge that events of this magnitude inevitably cause some inconveniences within the Central Business District, we also recognise the broader economic value that SONA brings to the city.” 

As a significant national event, the Chairperson said SONA garners both local and international attention, boosting economic activity through increased tourism, hospitality, and business opportunities.

“As with previous SONAs, alternative arrangements have been made, in collaboration with the City of Cape Town and the Informal Traders Association, to ensure that affected traders can continue operating at designated alternative venues.”

Post-SONA sittings

After tomorrow’s all-important SONA, the NA and the NCOP will reconvene for a joint session on 11 and 12 February 2025 to debate the President’s address. 

The President will respond to the debate on February 13, while the Minister of Finance is scheduled to deliver the Budget Speech on 19 February. 

“We encourage all South Africans to actively engage with SONA by tuning in and sharing their views across the various communication platforms provided by Parliament, the government, and the media.” 

The SONA will be broadcast live across Parliament TV, mainstream broadcasters, and streaming services. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

Gabisile
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 15:52

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SA’s Land Expropriation Act is constitutional 

Location: News

SA’s Land Expropriation Act is constitutional 

South Africa’s much talked-about Expropriation Act is something that should be looked at in the context of its painful past wherein land was a commodity not afforded to the majority.

Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the Expropriation Bill, which sets out how organs of State may expropriate land in the public interest for varied reasons. 

In a statement, The Presidency said the new legislation, which repeals the pre-democratic Expropriation Act of 1975, aligns expropriation processes with the Constitution.

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.

Honorary Professor of International Relations at the University of the Witwatersrand, Professor John Stremlau, gave his thoughts on the signing into law of the act which is the culmination of a five-year process of public consultation and Parliamentary deliberation.

“It is constitutional, reflecting a long-standing asymmetry between white ownership in the majority of the land and black ownership for the majority of the people being confined to marginal lands and so there is that position that is reflected in the document. But it’s not precipitous in any way and calls for due process,” he told SAnews.

The Act allows for the State to expropriate land in the public interest – subject to just and equitable compensation.

This as the recently signed act, drew the ire of the United States of America President, Donald Trump. 

Reports this week emerged that the US President has moved to halt future funding to South Africa as his administration investigates allegations of "land confiscation" - following President Ramaphosa’s assent of the Expropriation Act.

US funding to South Africa is related to PEPFAR (US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) Aid and constitutes some 17% of the country’s HIV/AIDS programme.

The Professor further stressed that South Africa “has a right of eminent domain…overriding private property.”

This as Minister Lamola earlier told SAnews that expropriation laws are not unique to South Africa. 

“We trust President Trump’s advisors will make use of the investigative period to attain a thorough understanding of South Africa's policies within the framework of a constitutional democracy. This approach will promote a well-informed viewpoint that values and recognises our nation's dedication to democratic ideals and governance,” the Minister said.

The New York Times The Learning Network defines eminent domain as the right of the state to take private property for public use adding that the Fifth Amendment that was added to the Constitution of the United States requires that just compensation be made.

“And South Africa is struggling to overcome the apportioning of land to the settlers and not to the natives. I didn’t think that the parts that I read were in any way unreasonable and reflected the painstaking negotiations…with the communities to reassure those who have properties that they will be full compensated, but, and that at the same time they may be subject to pressures from the government but also government land. It strikes me as a very reasonable approach and I don’t mind being quoted on that,” said the Professor.

Stremlau added that “there are Americans like me who are offended by Trump’s arbitrariness.” 

The expert’s comment come on the heels of a Presidency statement stating 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 Act states that property may not be expropriated arbitrarily or for a purpose other than a public purpose or in the public interest.

SA-US relations

Asked about whether the act will likely sour relations between South Africa and the US, Stremlau said: “America is a complicated place, and there are Americans like me who are offended by Trump’s arbitrariness.”
“It is very much about where the body politic will land as is the case here. And President Ramaphosa should be congratulated for a Government of National Unity.”

On whether the alarm bells raised by the US could see South Africa kicked out of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), he said he was hopeful that cool heads will prevail.

AGOA is a unilateral trade preference scheme that provides qualifying sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free, quota-free access into the United States market.

“Congress has by a partisan majority supported the AGOA but South Africa is a standout nation because it is a middle income country and AGOA is intended for poor African countries. South Africa has been a critical member of AGOA and I would hope that cool heads would prevail,” he said.

Since its enactment in 2000, AGOA has been at the core of US economic policy and commercial engagement with Africa. The act is an initiative of the United States and is aimed at giving duty-free market access for producers in eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

He further added that “colleagues” at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation have “a really tough job ahead.”
“I wouldn’t be second guessing them; I think the country should get behind them. But the average South African voter cares about pocketbook issues and getting a job, that has got to be President Cyril Ramaphosa’s total preoccupation,” he said.
Earlier, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson reiterated government's stance on the 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, adding that the Government of National Unity will always put the interests of South Africa first.

Professor Stremlau’s comments come ahead of the seventh administration’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) which President Ramaphosa will deliver before a joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces on Thursday, 6 February.

In mapping out South Africa Inc’s path for the year ahead, President Ramaphosa will reflect on the year that was and is likely to include legislation that has been passed, including the Expropriation Act.

“Americans respect what South Africa is trying to do in the aftermath of the terrible Apartheid era,” said Stremlau. -SAnews.gov.za

 

Neo
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 14:32

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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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Youth called to seize job opportunities through Presidential initiatives

Location: News

Youth called to seize job opportunities through Presidential initiatives

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, has urged young people to take advantage of job opportunities available through government initiatives aimed at tackling youth unemployment. 

Mhlauli made this call during a site visit to Afrika Tikkun Services in Salt River, Cape Town, on Tuesday. 

Afrika Tikkun Services is an organisation that is part of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI), through the Jobs Boost Programme.

Jobs Boost is a R300 million pay-for-performance model being piloted in South Africa. It is an outcomes fund that works with implementing partners to secure sustainable, quality jobs for unemployed, excluded youth. 

The programme is the largest youth employment outcomes fund in the world, and a major innovation in the South African government’s effort to confront the chronic youth unemployment problem. Jobs Boost was initiated by the Presidency, as part of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention.

Mhlauli’s visit at Afrika Tikkun Service, aimed to assess the progress and impact of the initiative on young participants. She expressed satisfaction with the program’s implementation, particularly its focus on ensuring young people's transition into sustainable employment.

“This morning, we are at Afrika Tikkun, which is one of the partners through the Jobs Boost Program, which is part of the Presidential Employment Youth Intervention. We came to assess the progress of this particular program, as well as the impact on young people,” she said. 

The Deputy Minister highlighted that the facility offers a structured approach to preparing young people for the job market, including a recruitment phase, job readiness training, and eventual job placement. 

The Deputy Minister was particularly pleased to learn that the first cohort of participants has already been successfully placed in jobs.

“The facility is really, quite inspiring. We interacted with young people who are part of various phases of the program, including from recruitment phase, where they are taken into the program and the various levels, including job readiness programs as well, where you get them ready for job placement. And one of the reports we also received is that the first cohort has already been placed,” Mhlauli said. 

The Deputy Minister highlighted that the young people are not just being trained, they are being placed in sustainable jobs for a period of at least six months. 

“When we speak as government about addressing youth unemployment, we are speaking not just about training young people, but also speaking about how we get those young people into sustainable jobs for a period of a minimum of six months. 

“So far, we are quite happy with this cohort, and one of the things that we have discussed with the team is that they will come back and discuss with the management of the facility on areas that they believe can be improved, as we go forward and upscale into the next cohort, going forward into 2026,” the Deputy Minister said. 

Mhlauli also commended the enthusiasm of the participants and noted the high number of young women benefiting from the program. She added that this is encouraging as it addresses the gender disparities in youth unemployment. 

“There's much excitement, much enthusiasm from the young people, and we are very happy to see that most of them actually are young women. In particular, most of the classes are filled with young women, which shows that we are also not just looking at youth unemployment, but particularly the unemployment rate of young women, which are obviously most adversely affected by the crises of unemployment. 

“All in all, we are quite happy about the progress we have seen, and obviously the impact that is quite visible in the lives of young people,” she said.

Encouraging broader participation, she urged young people to explore opportunities on the SAYouth.mobi platform, a zero-rated government website that provides information on employment, training, CV writing, and business planning.

“We call on young people to make use of these opportunities, and the quickest way to do that is to go onto the SAYouth.mobi website. It is a zero-rated website where you'll find all of the information about the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative, as well as other initiatives such as the YES Program. 

“It is one of the platforms that government has created for young people to be able to access these opportunities. So, we really do encourage young people to go onto that website its zero-rated meaning that you don't need any data to get onto the website,” the Deputy Minister said. 

The Chief Operating Officer at Afrika Tikkun, Marian Claite, also reflected on the significance of the visit, emphasising the collaborative efforts between Afrika Tikkun and the Presidency.

“Today we met with the Deputy Minister Mhlauli from the President's office, and it was to discuss one of our projects that we are working on called Job Boost. And it was a very constructive conversation that we had. We discussed from the enrolment of our candidates to the training of our candidates, and where we are because we are now at the placement phase. 

“We discussed our challenges and the collaboration of the relationship, how it would look as this was a pilot, how it would look next year, and what complexion we would like it to take,” she said. 

Claite added that they have given some suggestions on their side on what they would like to see included in the program, as well as what is working well for them. 

“At the end of the day, I think it is our mandate, and it's all of our wish that all 1,375 candidates that Afrika Tikkun Services has been tasked with training will be placed in meaningful employment opportunities,” Claite said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 22:11

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Sustainability of community media is of vital importance – Morolong

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Sustainability of community media is of vital importance - Morolong

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has urged policymakers, businesses, and civil society to work together to secure the future of community media, by providing the necessary support and resources.

Morolong delivered a keynote address at the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Community Media Consultative Forum at the Khayelitsha Thusong Centre, on Tuesday. 

The Forum aimed to bring government, community media, industry partners, and regulatory bodies together, to reflect on community media's contributions in the past 30 years of democracy in South Africa, while also tackling challenges facing the sector today. These include sustainability and digitalisation, to fortify the sector for the future. 

The Deputy Minister highlighted the contributions of the sector in the past 30 years of democracy, while emphasising its role in promoting identity, unity, and local awareness.

“The sustainability of community media is not just a sectoral issue; it is a societal imperative. Policy makers regulators, businesses, and civil society must work together to provide the tools, resources, and framework necessary for community media. As a sector community media is far more important,” Morolong said. 

The Deputy Minister also highlighted that community media serves as a platform for people to share their stories in their own words, balancing mainstream stories and ensuring that every citizen has a voice, regardless of their socio-economic status.

He described the sector as a key instrument in shaping public opinion and reinforcing democracy.

“Community media provides a platform for people to tell their stories in their own words, fostering identity, unity, and awareness of local issues. It serves as a counterbalance to centralise narratives, upholding the principle that everyone deserves a voice, regardless of their socio-economic status,” he said. 

However, the Deputy Minister acknowledged the pressing challenges facing community media, particularly its sustainability. He stressed that its survival hinges on robust governance, financial innovation, and strong stakeholder support.

“Strong governance is the backbone of community media sustainability. It ensures accountability, transparency, and ethical management. These are essential elements that we trust with communities. Unfortunately, many of our community media organisations lack the skills, policies, and resources to implement effective governance. 

“To address this, sector bodies must invest in training board members and leaders in strategic decision making and resource management. Simplifying compliance processes is equally essential, overly complex regulatory frameworks hinder small operations, diverting resources from the primary mission,” he said. 

Financial insecurity remains the greatest challenge facing the sector, he noted, as traditional advertising models become less viable. 

He also urged community media outlets to explore creative revenue streams, such as partnerships with local businesses, grant funding, and membership programs. 

“The greatest challenge facing community media is financial insecurity. Traditional advertising models are no longer viable, necessitating creative revenue streams partnering with local businesses leveraging grant funding and implementing membership programs can provide much needed financial stability,” he said. 

Additionally, he added that community events and workshops could serve as both a source of revenue and a way to strengthen ties with the communities they serve.

“Community events and workshops not only generate revenue but strengthen the bond between media outlets and the community they serve.

“Community media is not just a medium of information, it is an instrument of empowerment, it educates, informs, unites and plays a crucial role in supporting democracy and safeguarding marginalised voices. It contributes to the social framework though which social and political formations are shaped. Failing to address its sustainability risks silence of the vital important voices,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 06:08

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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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