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Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the decision by the City of Tshwane to go to court to keep the Rooiwal Five suspended. This case has major implications for the future of the capital city. Two weeks ago, the DA broke the news that these officials were heading back to work after obtaining a …
Pretoria, South Africa – Monday, 20 January 2025: Defender OCTA – the performance hero of the unstoppable Defender family – will form the basis of Defender’s Dakar and FIA World Rally Raid Championship competition challenger from 2026, showcasing its extreme performance credentials in the world’s toughest off-road events. Unstoppable all-terrain capability and strength are at …
Suspect arrested in connection with matric results leak
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has made strides in the case involving the alleged leaking of the class of 2024 matric results on the internet, which were allegedly being sold.
In a statement on Thursday, Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale, said a 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the alleged leaking of the results online, marking a significant progress by the Hawks in their investigation into the case.
The investigation follows a formal complaint by the Department of Education lodged at the Pretoria Central SAPS on Sunday, 12 January 2025, prompting an immediate transfer of the case to the Hawks for further investigation.
Mogale, said that acting on a search-and-seizure warrant, the Hawks' Serious Economic Offences Unit of the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, including Cybercrime Investigation Head Office, raided a house in Hillcrest, north of Johannesburg, in the early hours of Thursday.
"The Hawks proceeded to the identified premises where a 21-year-old young man and his parents are residing.
"During the search, various electronic gadgets and an unlicensed shotgun with live ammunition were found. The 21-year-old suspect will be detained for the unlawful possession of a firearm and further investigation into the matric result leakage will continue,” Mogale said. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 01/17/2025 - 09:52
JOHANNESBURG: Pretoria Capitals fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the remainder of the Betway SA20 and the...
Determination pays off for top achievers
Despite coming from a financially poor background, without parental support, matric learner Thobeka Langa has proven that determination and hard work can change your outcomes.
Aged 17, Thobeka from Rustenburg, North West, was among the country's 2024 matric top achievers, who were honoured by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube during a Ministerial Breakfast held in Randburg, Johannesburg, on Monday.
The 39 top achievers were honoured ahead of the announcement of the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, which takes place later today.
Speaking to SAnews on the sidelines of the event, Thobeka admitted that she was not expecting to be among the top achievers, especially after a challenging Physics exam.
“It has been a really rough journey, and after writing that Physics Paper, I really thought that all my chances of coming here were shattered, but God had other plans,” said an elated Thobeka.
Thobeka, who is a social grant beneficiary, will be studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Pretoria. She said her dream is to be among those who make an impact in the world.
She emphasised the importance of education as a means of opening up doors to a brighter future.
“As SASSA [South African Social Security Agency] grant beneficiaries, we are often undermined. Having grown up without both parents, I really thought that I would not become anything, but here I am now.
“This is confirmation, clarification, fulfilment, and coming to an end of a marathon. After completing my studies, I will be a qualified engineer, probably specialising somewhere. Maybe I will still be in South Africa or abroad. Who knows?” an optimistic Thobeka said.
Another top achiever, Nqubeko Bekwa from Emzamweni High School in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, said he could not believe that he was among the top students.
The 19-year-old, who will be pursuing his Actuarial Science studies at the University of Cape Town, maintained that in life, there are no miracles, but “one must push hard, have a vision and be disciplined” in order to see positive results.
“You must work hard, even though you feel tired and sleepy. I could not sleep at night because I wanted to be here, and once you change your mind set, everything just happens without any struggle,” Bekwa said.
According to the Department of Social Development, out of 882 336 registered learners who sat for the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, 697 502 are social grant beneficiaries, representing 79% of registered learners.
“Out of this number, 1 068 of the learners were children who were in conflict with the law during their schooling years,” the department said in a statement.
Gwarube and Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule will announce the NSC results for the class of 2024 in Johannesburg at 6pm. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 01/13/2025 - 13:29
Call to exercise extreme caution on the roads
With predictions that South Africa will experience heavy rain in some parts of the country, the Department of Transport has urged road users to exercise extreme caution on the road.
According to the South African Weather Services (SAWS), inclement weather conditions will continue to affect the country’s roads until Friday, 10 January.
Heavy rain, strong winds, and reduced visibility are expected to persist creating hazardous driving conditions.
On Wednesday, 8 January, poor visibility as well as slippery roads have been predicted in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
“Under these conditions, motorists are strongly advised not to drive between 6pm and 1am in these three provinces,” the department said.
In Limpopo the roads that will be affected by these conditions are as follows:
• N1 and R101 from Limpopo to Gauteng,
• N11 from AllDay to Marble Hall,
• R33 from Lephalala via Marble Hall,
• R40 from Phalaborwa to Barberton,
• R534 from Thohoyandou to Makhado,
• R71 from Tzaneen to Polokwane and
• R81 from Giyani to Polokwane.
In Mpumalanga and KwaZulu Natal, roads to be affected are the following:
• N4, N12, N11, N17, N3, R40 and R33.
“No warning has been issued for Thursday and Friday. However, Mpumalanga and Limpopo will be affected by strong thundershowers from the early hours of the morning to about 10am. These conditions would lead to poor visibility and slippery roads, particularly on the R573 Moloto Road, from Marble Hall to Pretoria.
“The current road crashes and fatalities are of great concern, and motorists are urged to take responsibility for their safety,” the department said.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called on motorists to consider the following important safety tips:
nosihle
Wed, 01/08/2025 - 09:09
Gauteng Traffic Police calls for caution on the roads
With hours to go before Christmas Day, Gauteng Traffic Police has urged motorists to remain vigilant and to be on the lookout for pedestrians wherever they travel.
This as Gauteng has since the beginning of the festive period, experienced several fatalities, with the majority being pedestrians.
“Most road crashes in our province are caused by human error, such as texting while driving, over speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, unsafe overtaking and lane changing, and driving too fast for specific conditions,” said spokesperson for the traffic police, Sello Maremane, on Tuesday.
The Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP) are intensifying law enforcement operations this week and beyond Christmas Day to ensure the safety of all citizens during the busy festive period.
Traffic volumes are expected to surge as many holidaymakers travel to their respective destinations.
“In response, the department has strengthened enforcement measures to prioritise the safety of communities,” he said.
Routes that will be closely monitored due to the high number of pedestrian fatalities include:
• N1 Freeway Pretoria to Polokwane: Between Sefako Makgato and Hammanskraal off-ramps.
• R80 Mabopane Freeway: Between Rosslyn and Soshanguve offramps.
• N4 Freeway Pretoria to Mpumalanga: Between Watermeyer off-ramp and Solomon Mahlangu Drive.
• N1 South: From Freedom Park to Orange Farm.
• N12 West: Towards Westonaria.
• R21: From Olifantsfontein to Boksburg.
To deal with these challenges, the enforcement operations will include speed enforcement, anti-drunk driving operations, vehicle and driver fitness checks, road safety campaigns at one-stop centers, anti-crime operations in hotspot areas and anti-spiking operations.
“Our message to all road users is responsible road usage by all will preserve lives and ensure that everyone arrives alive,” said Maremane. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Tue, 12/24/2024 - 09:16
CAPE TOWN: Western Province will face the defending champions, Lions, in the final of the annual Khaya Majola Cricket Week in...
Construction to repair N1 sinkhole in Centurion completed
The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced that construction to repair the sinkhole on the N1 near the Flying Saucer Interchange in Centurion, Gauteng, has been completed.
The repairs to the sinkhole on the N1 come shortly after another sinkhole on the nearby R21 was repaired last month.
The total cost of repairs to the two sinkholes was R424 million, with R280 million spent on the N1 and R144 million on the R21, respectively.
According to SANRAL CEO Reginald Demana, the N1 sinkhole project, which started in September 2023, was 99.9% complete.
“Given the importance of the N1 and R21 to the economy of Pretoria, South Africa’s capital city, the construction work undertaken here was very important. The Flying Saucer is a major interchange, which connects the N1 and R21, so it was critically important to ensure we minimised congestion in morning and afternoon peak traffic.
“One of our major concerns here was the extent of the damage due to the rains at the end of 2021 and early in 2022, and whether the sinkhole might extend further under the N1, which could have led to a total collapse of the road,” Demana said.
He explained that the repairs were a complex piece of geotechnical work.
“Pretoria is a dolomitic area so when it rains a lot, sinkholes develop in certain parts of the city and this was one such case. The sinkhole led to depressions of sections of the N1 and cracks developing on the entire route, so we immediately took measures to assess the damage and start the repair work.
“With sinkholes you never know the extent of the damage until you start excavating and drilling holes and piling in with concrete,” Demana said.
SANRAL was made aware of the sinkhole along the N1 in Centurion at the beginning of January 2022. To prioritise the safety of road users, the agency closed off the affected lanes and redirected traffic. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 12/19/2024 - 11:20
Harm reduction centre succeeds where rehabs often fail
The Office of the Chief Justice has published its reserved judgments list, but only for the first two terms of 2024
Deadline for spaza shop registrations extended to February 2025
Government has extended the registration deadline for spaza shops and other food handling outlets to 28 February 2025, as announced by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, on Wednesday.
This follows the end of the initial 21-day registration period, which concluded on Tuesday, 17 December 2024.
A total of 42 915 applications were received, and 19 385 of them have been approved.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the registration last month as one of the measures to address growing concerns regarding spaza shops and tuck shops, which are linked to an increase in foodborne illnesses and deaths.
The President’s address highlighted a foodborne illness crisis, with over 890 cases and about close to 30 deaths since September.
The Minister emphasised the importance of compliance with health regulations, noting that 1 041 non-compliant shops were closed.
“Before the revised deadline of 28 February 2025, government in all its spheres will continue to implement the action plan to address the crisis of foodborne illnesses and the illicit trade of goods across the country,” Hlabisa told the media at a briefing in Pretoria.
READ | SAPS: We expect everyone to cooperate in compliance inspections
Meanwhile, he said those who have registered their businesses and received their acknowledgement of registration still need to undertake a further process to obtain their trading licences.
“For this process, environmental health practitioners and other regulatory authorities will still inspect owners of registered food-related trading businesses to ensure that their businesses are eligible to trade.”
WATCH | Inter-ministerial Committee on foodborne illnesses media briefing
He urged municipalities to maintain capacity for assisting those registering as operations decline during the holiday season.
“We also urge business owners to continue with their registration process within their respective municipalities and not wait until the next registration deadline.”
The Minister explained that the State was dealing with two distinct processes where business owners need to register the spaza shops and comply with health regulations.
“This process does not depend on whether you are registered or not. If you don’t comply with the health regulations, the business is closed down immediately. Hence, 1 041 spaza shops have already been closed,” he added.
In addition, the Minister said 15 health experts were appointed to a Ministerial Advisory Committee to develop long-term prevention measures.
“We want to emphasise that registration alone does not mean a business is eligible to trade. To obtain a licence or a permit to trade, business owners must comply with all health regulations and municipal by-laws related to conducting a business.”
Pesticides
Meanwhile, the Minister said enforcement efforts included seizing 470 litres of pesticides and intensifying inspections at ports of entry.
According to Hlabisa, inspections of imported food items, medicines, drugs, and pesticides have also been intensified at ports of entry.
He said heightened surveillance at all 71 ports of entry, especially marine ports in KwaZulu-Natal including Durban, is aimed at preventing the entry of unsafe goods.
Warning
The Department of Home Affairs’ (DHA) Albert Matsaung addressed the legal implications of assisting illegal foreigners to register spaza shops, referencing Section 42 of the Immigration Act.
He reiterated the importance of adhering to immigration laws and the role of the DHA and stressed the serious consequences for South Africans who assist illegal foreigners.
“No one should assist. No one should provide any kind of support - either be it in the form of providing immovable property, which in this case is the garages or houses where these spaza shops are being run. It means that it becomes a serious offence, criminally and in terms of the Immigration Act.”
Matsaung stated that anyone who assists a foreigner who does not deserve to participate in this process will be prosecuted. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 12/18/2024 - 11:17
Work underway to construct new temporary Parliamentary home
The construction of Parliament’s interim home has begun in earnest with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) having conducted the official site handover for the dome installation to the contractor, in Cape Town.
Director-General of the DPWI, Sifiso Mdakane Mdakane, conducted the official site hand over for the Dome installation to the contractor in Cape Town, on Tuesday.
“The Dome will serve as the temporal home for Parliament for the next 24 months, whilst Parliament is being rebuilt, following the fire that gutted it two years ago. The Dome will be set up at the Niewmeester Parking Site within the Parliamentary Precinct,” said the department in a statement.
The project of setting up the dome is expected to take 24 days from the official handover, which will be on time for the 2025 opening of Parliament and the State of the Nation address (SONA).
The project has the blessing of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza and the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson.
“The erection of this structure is set to save the state a lot of money in terms of accommodating Parliament in the next two years. Today, eight, twelve metre containers, carrying all the necessary accessories and parts, which were transported from the Defence Force storage facility in Pretoria, to Cape Town, were handed over to commence construction by Director-General, Sifiso Mdakane,” the department said.
The project is being overseen by the Chief Professional Architect from the Prestige Unit of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and construction experts.
The department said it will provide regular updates until the completion of this project and official handover to Parliament.-SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 12/18/2024 - 09:20
Parents at Pretoria High School for Girls complained about two articles by the Daily Maverick
Call to expand SA-Angola trade and investment
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for the expansion of bilateral trade and investment between South Africa and Angola.
“During our official engagement, we reached a shared understanding that significant opportunities exist to further strengthen and expand our bilateral trade and investment relations,” President Ramaphosa said on Thursday.
The President made the remark during the South Africa-Angola Business Forum held at the CSIR International Conventional Centre in Pretoria. This as he hosted his Angolan counterpart, President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, who was in South Africa for a State Visit at the Union Buildings earlier in the day.
READ | SA, Angola deepen ties
Speaking at the inaugural South Africa-Angola Business Forum, President Ramaphosa said it was heartening and encouraging to see a broad representation of business from the two countries.
“This is in itself a solid demonstration of confidence; confidence in the strength of the region’s two largest economies; confidence in the potential that exists for deepening trade and investment ties; confidence that the governments of both countries are taking the necessary steps to ensure that the business operating environment is improved so investments can be safe and secured,” the President explained.
The first citizen said in his engagements with President Lourenço and the respective delegations, a wide array of critical political, economic and social issues of mutual concern were discussed.
More than 20 South African entities are already investing in Angola in a range of sectors including rail, agriculture, industrial parks, oil refineries, manufacturing, IT, financial services and logistics.
“By way of example, the Development Bank of Southern Africa is financing port development, railway rehabilitation, oil and gas infrastructure and renewable energy development in Angola.
“The Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa has also maintained a healthy pipeline in Angola in infrastructure development, and the Industrial Development Corporation is involved in financing the Cabinda Oil Refinery and the Cabinda phosphate project. We would like to see substantially more Angolan FDI [foreign direct investment] inflows into the South African economy,” said President Ramaphosa.
In addition, between 2003 and 2024, “only a handful” of Angolan companies were investing in South Africa in communications, financial services and the metal sector.
With respect to trade, though South Africa’s exports to Angola have grown by approximately 11% since 2019, they account for just 3% of Angola’s total imports.
South Africa’s imports from Angola have declined by some 19% since 2019.
“Casting the net wider presents immense possibilities for improving both trade and investment flows. South Africa is pursuing an ambitious economic development agenda based on export-led industrialisation.
“We seek to revitalise our industrial base, modernise our infrastructure network, and strengthen logistics and supply chain connectivity with the rest of the continent,” President Ramaphosa said, noting that this presents opportunities for cooperation in various sectors such as agriculture and agro-processing, energy and rail rolling stock.
Energy and infrastructure development
On energy matters, the President said the rapid growth of key clean energy manufacturing industries, as part of the global transition to a low-carbon economy, is an area that must be explored urgently.
“The global energy transition offers new opportunities to upgrade and diversify into technology-intensive global value chains. The transition to a low-carbon economy therefore presents scope for collaboration around critical minerals, specifically with regards to value addition and beneficiation.”
The President said infrastructure development that unlocks intra-Africa trade is a priority.
“We must build on the work already underway on the Lobito Corridor to create sustainable industries in the region. South Africa is ready to partner with Angola in the development of strategic corridors, including the Central, North and South Corridors, with the aim of transforming them into dynamic economic infrastructure projects that can promote growth.”
Cutting red tape
President Ramaphosa called on business and government to use the forum proactively.
“As government and business, we must use this forum to engage proactively around not just the possibilities that exist, but also how to resolve the challenges in the business operating environment. Companies in both Angola and South Africa have challenges that make it difficult to do business.
“Stringent business visa requirements, high export costs, onerous import processes, taxation issues and bureaucratic red tape are just some of these.
“We must be able to emerge from this forum with a clear understanding of what the main challenges are and what steps will be taken to facilitate greater market access on both sides.
“Promoting greater economic growth for the benefit of Angola and South Africa necessitates that we are agile, adaptable and responsive as both the public and private sectors,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 12/13/2024 - 09:42
Study found more leaked municipal water in the Jukskei River than naturally occurring water
SA, Angola well positioned to capitalise on trade and investment opportunities
The Deputy Director General: Trade Branch at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Ambassador Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter, says South Africa and Angola are well positioned to capitalise on trade and investment opportunities that exist in both countries.
Mlumbi-Peter was speaking at a Business Forum hosted by South Africa and Angola in Pretoria on Thursday.
“Boosting intra-Africa trade has to be a core objective for both our countries. We need to identify what is produced in our countries, but also what we are importing from elsewhere, so that we can identify obvious products that can be traded among ourselves.
“Many economies globally are adopting strategic autonomy policies and are reconfiguring supply chains to bring them closer to home to promote economic resilience and address strategic vulnerabilities. Promoting intra-Africa trade has to be a strategic objective,” said Mlumbi-Peter.
She encouraged the private sector to identify opportunities for sourcing key inputs and products from each other to boost bilateral trade.
Speaking at the Forum, Chief Executive Officer of Business Unity South Africa, Khulekani Mathe, said as the South African business community, they recognised Angola as a vital market for their products.
He said the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), provides significant potential for expansion of trade between the two markets.
“The presence of South African companies in sectors such as mining, banking, retail, logistics, and food services underscores Angola's importance as an investment destination for South Africa to facilitate trade, we need to develop appropriate infrastructure.
“In addition to physical infrastructure, establishing and strengthening business organisations, such as chambers of commerce, is critical,” he said.
He added that the South Africa-Angola Chamber of Commerce was an important building block of trade infrastructure. He encouraged businesses from both countries to join and strengthen this organisation.
“Currently, both economies face challenges with weak growth, registering less than one percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2023.
“Another shared characteristic is our dependence on raw natural resources in our exports, which means that while we export our commodities, we are also exporting jobs to countries that transform these resources into finished products."
The President of the Angola-South Africa Chamber of Commerce, Paula Xavier, said as a chamber they once again called upon businesses from South Africa and Angola to create, strengthen and deepen businesses, partnerships and investments in favour of the multi-sectoral sustainability.
She said for this to be possible, a few essential elements were needed, namely; the alignment of the heads of state, the involvement of entrepreneurs in business partnerships and the cultural dream of people from both countries.
The Chief Executive Officer of Black Business Council, Kganki Matabane said the role of the two economies in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region were critical as the two countries have a strong partnership that includes trade and investment.
“Our role as partners is crucial in the implementation of the AfCFTA as we are poised to exploit the opportunities as key players within the region.
“At the crux of our respective economies is the need to improve livelihoods. Our bilateral interaction provides an opportunity to contribute not only to regional growth but growth of the global economy,” said Matabane.
He added that the most important opportunities that can be explored by businesspeople from both countries were the beneficiation of mineral resources and localisation, as they are important for job creation, and to promote sustainable development. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 12/13/2024 - 10:25
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier pays working visit to SA
President Cyril Ramaphosa will today host President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of the Federal Republic of Germany for a working visit at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, the President’s official residence in Pretoria.
According to the Presidency, the visit will highlight the “30th anniversary of democracy in South Africa and the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall”.
“The leaders will have an opportunity to engage on a variety of issues of mutual interest, thereby enhancing the strategic relationship and fostering closer cooperation between the two countries.
“South Africa has a very substantial and diverse relationship with Germany. Germany is one of South Africa’s most important strategic partners and is the third largest market for South African exports, the third largest source of overseas tourists, as well as a major investor and development partner,” the Presidency said ahead of Friday’s visit.
The German leader visits South Africa after attending a three-day State Visit to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“During his visit [to South Africa], President Steinmeier will be accompanied by a business delegation of 10 German CEOs and will participate in a business roundtable during the afternoon of 13 December 2024.
“He will also lay a wreath at Freedom Park. He will also visit Lesotho on 14 December 2024 before returning to South Africa for an onward flight to Germany,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 12/13/2024 - 09:05
South Africa-Angola elevate bilateral relations
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that increasing trade and investment between South Africa and Angola remains a top priority.
“Increasing trade and investment between the two countries remains our foremost objective. South Africa must become the destination of choice for Angolan goods, products and services, and vice versa,” he said.
The President was delivering opening remarks during official talks with Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, on Thursday.
President Lourenço of the Republic of Angola is in South Africa on a State Visit at the invitation of President Ramaphosa.
The Heads of State are using the occasion to solidify relations between the two countries who share deep historical ties.
WATCH | Official Talks between HE President Cyril Ramaphosa and HE President João Lourenço
President Ramaphosa highlighted the decision to elevate the structured bilateral mechanism between South Africa and Angola from a Joint Commission of Cooperation to a Bi-National Commission (BNC), reflecting a deepening commitment to collaboration.
The inaugural BNC session will take place in Angola next year, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Angolan independence.
“Co-chairing this first session with you will be an honour, especially given that it will be during the 50th anniversary celebrations of Angolan independence.”
The President underscored the strong economic ties between the two nations, noting the presence of 20 South African companies in Angola and their diversification into sectors beyond oil.
South African foreign direct investment (FDI) into Angola has been in a range of sectors such as financial services, IT, food and beverage, transportation, warehousing and tourism.
South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) also has investment projects in Angola, namely in the Cabinda Oil Refinery and the Cabinda phosphate project.
“We want to see more Angolan companies in South Africa. Opportunities exist in infrastructure development, agriculture, construction, mining, financial services, telecoms and manufacturing, to name but a few,” the President explained.
Collaboration in Economic Growth
The leaders discussed leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to drive industrialisation and trade.
President Ramaphosa also emphasised the potential for joint strategies in mineral beneficiation, particularly as global demand grows for critical minerals essential to the energy transition.
He highlighted Angola’s Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor as a promising development for regional integration and trade.
“We see the African Continental Trade Agreement as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, and we must take advantage of the system of preferential terms provided to signatories.
“As both Angola and South Africa strive to accelerate the pace of industrialisation, we need to build mutually complementary capabilities in manufacturing and value-addition of products,” he said.
Commitment to Peace and Multilateralism
The leaders’ discussions extended to shared efforts in promoting peace and security across the continent.
Angola’s contributions to peacebuilding, particularly its role in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and initiatives like the Luanda Process were praised.
“We must continue to deepen our collaboration towards resolving the conflict in the Eastern DRC, the civil war in Sudan and the post-electoral crisis in Mozambique.
“Silencing the Guns across Africa is a necessary precondition for stability, economic growth and development. As African countries, we must be at the forefront of promoting the peaceful resolution of conflict, particularly at a time when the future of multilateralism is at stake,” he said.
On the global stage, President Ramaphosa advocated for reforming international institutions, including the UN Security Council, to better represent the Global South. He reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to multilateralism, calling for respect for the United Nations Charter and international law.
Africa at the forefront
With South Africa having assumed the G20 Presidency, President Ramaphosa pledged to prioritise Africa’s developmental goals, particularly those outlined in Agenda 2063.
According to the African Union, Agenda 2063 is Africa's development blueprint to achieve inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development over a 50-year period.
The President highlighted that South Africa will host the first G20 Summit on African soil in 2025, signalling a historic moment for the continent.
“Working with the African Union and fellow African countries will ensure that the issues of strategic importance to Africa and the Global South are highlighted.”
The President further extended a warm welcome to President Lourenço and his delegation saying his visit marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
“Your presence here testifies to the strong ties of solidarity and friendship between our two countries.” – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 12/12/2024 - 13:52
Activists say that the litigation to protect the birds’ feeding grounds has been dragged out for months by the state, despite the urgency of the situation
New Children’s Edutainment Garden launched in Pretoria
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has unveiled the new Children’s Edutainment Garden at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden ahead of the festive season.
This space serves as a unique educational resource for foundation-phase teachers and learners. The Children’s Edutainment Garden offers an ideal setting for teaching and learning in an engaging, nature-filled environment.
“The Children’s Edutainment Garden stands as evidence of a deliberate choice to equip the next generation with knowledge. In the second phase, we will include elements that teach biodiversity in a direct, hands-on manner.
“We believe that even early steps in understanding living systems help shape informed minds that respect free exchange, prudent stewardship, and independent thought,” the Minister said on Tuesday.
The project, funded by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Green Open Space Management Programme, underscores the department’s commitment to contributing to the sustainable use of the country’s environmental resources.
Teachers can use the space to introduce learners to concepts of personal and shared space, safety and cooperation in a fun, interactive way. For creative arts teachers, learners can practice locomotor movements such as walking, skipping, and running forwards and backwards, while navigating the play equipment.
Activities promote rhythm, coordination, balance, spatial awareness, and early sports skills, as expected of elementary learners. This interactive play space is designed to inspire imagination, exploration, and outdoor fun for toddlers and young children. Little thrill-seekers can soar on swings, zoom down slides, and test their strength scaling the climbing wall.
“Creativity knows no bounds in the imagination-inspiring play zone. The Children’s Edutainment Garden features interactive maze games and puzzles that challenge problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
“Our adaptable play area features indigenous games such as ‘morabaraba’ and ‘diketo’ to ensure inclusivity, allowing children of all ages and all backgrounds to join in the fun. The play zone transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures,” South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) CEO, Shonisani Munzhedzi, said.
Meanwhile, parents can unwind and enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, knowing their little ones are exploring, learning, and growing in a safe and enriching environment. The lawns surrounding the Children’s Edutainment Garden offer a beautifully maintained space for picnics and relaxation.
These are just some of the many features that visitors can enjoy at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden. For those who are looking for fitness activities in nature, the garden opened a green gym and has several hiking trails.
Visitors can access all these facilities for the affordable price of just R90 per adult.
For those who wish to visit the garden more often, the SANBI Gardens Membership offers unlimited access to all 11 national botanical gardens across the country for just R800 per adult per annum and only R400 per child per annum. Children under the age of six years old enter free and pensioners over the age of 60 enter for free every Tuesday, except for public holidays. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 12/10/2024 - 13:22
Government activities for the week 9 – 13 December 2024
On Monday, 9 December, the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy and the Deputy Minister, Mkhuleko Hlengwa will visit Lebombo Border Post to lead the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency’s Cross-Alive Road Safety Campaign as well as to assess the state of operations at the port of entry.
On Tuesday, 10 December, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Njabulo Nzuza, will visit Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal to hand over birth certificates to over 180 citizens who had laid claim to South African citizenship through the late registration of birth.
On Wednesday, 11 December, the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, will visit the Lebombo Border Post in Mpumalanga to unveil the new use of technology.
On Thursday, 12 December, President Cyril Ramaphosa will host His Excellency President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Also on Thursday, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition will host a forum on trade and investment between South Africa and Angola in Pretoria.
Friday, 13 December, no confirmed events.
Neo
Mon, 12/09/2024 - 11:49
Janusz Walus to be deported to Poland
Janusz Walus, the convicted murderer of South African struggle hero Chris Hani, will be deported to Poland from South Africa on Friday.
This was announced by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, during a media briefing held in Pretoria.
Walus - a Polish right wing extremist - assassinated the SA Communist Party (SACP) Secretary General in 1993 during a sensitive time in South Africa’s democratic transition, causing widespread outrage and an outpouring of grief in the country.
It prompted the negotiations for a free and fair South Africa, and brought about the setting of 27 April 1994 as the day of the first democratic general elections.
For the murder, Walus was sentenced to death. However, this was commuted to a life sentence and applications for parole had since been consistently denied.
“On 21 November 2022, the Constitutional Court ordered that Wanus Walus be placed on parole within 10 days of the date of the order, in line with applicable legislation. At the time, the applicable parole period was two years. Januz Walus was subsequently placed on parole on 7 December 2022, subject to parole conditions.
“Today, the 6th December 2024, the parole period of Janus Walus has come to an end, in line with the Constitutional Court decision. Since Janus Walus no longer holds any South African enabling documents, the Department of Home Affairs will be deporting him,” Ntshavheni explained.
The National Commissioner of Correctional Services will formally hand over Walus to the Department of Home Affairs for deportation.
This process will be handled by the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS).
Ntshavheni said a delegation of high-ranking government leaders visited the Hani family to deliver the news of Walus’ deportation.
“In preparation for this deportation, Cabinet assigned the Deputy President, Mr. Paul Mashatile; the Minister in the Presidency, Ms. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; the Minister of Justice, Ms. Mmamoloko Kubayi; and the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, to visit the family of the late Chris Hani to inform them of these developments.
“During this engagement, government delegation received a request for an inquest from Mr. Hani’s wife and the SACP. The request will be referred to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 12/06/2024 - 12:36
Incorrectly labelled honey-based syrup removed from Gauteng shops
Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, has commended a joint operation to remove products that were incorrectly labelled and sold as honey-based syrup from various stores in Gauteng.
The operation conducted by the Directorate: Inspection Services (D: IS) within the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), targeted products marked as “honey-based” syrup which were red-flagged by the increased number of complaints nationally.
Gauteng was the first province where the directorate conducted joint operations with the assistance from the Provincial Illicit and Counterfeit Goods Unit of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Among the wholesalers visited during the operation, include Crowns Mines and Kempton Park in Johannesburg, and Laudium and Marabastad in Pretoria.
Steenhuisen said from 25 to 29 November 2024, the team seized a total of 1 059 “honey-based” syrups and 388 honey products, which were non-compliant according to marking requirements.
This prompted directions to be issued by the directorate, with SAPS members issued two wholesalers with R1 500 fines for each wholesaler.
Steenhuisen said the seizures of such products will be expanded to other provinces in a bid to ensure citizens get quality goods they intended to purchase.
The Minister warned that the products pose a health risk, especially to the compromised communities suffering from diseases, such as diabetes.
“The main concern with incorrect labelling, misleading information and quality of these products is that consumers buy them thinking they are buying a product that is beneficial to their health, when in fact it may compromise their health,” Steenhuisen said.
The Directorate: Inspection Services is responsible for enforcement of certain agricultural products in terms of Agricultural Product Standards Act (APS), 1990 (Act No. 119 of 1990), among others.
The Act regulates the quality and marking of certain agricultural products and ensures that products comply with the minimum requirements as prescribed by the regulations under the APS Act at point of sale.
“Prescribed marking requirements in these regulations are there for the protection of consumers and providing them with accurate and relevant information regarding a product, and to allow the consumer to make a sound decision on the product,” the Minister said.
Steenhuisen has also encouraged consumers to report foodstuff that is incorrectly labelled.
Complaints regarding the selling of incorrectly labelled foodstuff can be reported to Billy Malose Makhafola, Director: Food Safety and Quality Assurance on (012) 319 6535, or email BillyM@nda.agric.za. - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 12/06/2024 - 10:23