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U20 South Africa: Africa’s ‘moment to lead’

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U20 South Africa: Africa's 'moment to lead'

City of Tshwane Mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya, has described the 8th cycle of the Urban 20 (U20) – which is co-chaired by the City of Tshwane and Johannesburg - as a moment for Africa to lead.

The Mayor was delivering remarks at the launch of the 8th cycle of the U20 on Monday.

The U20 is an engagement group of the Group of 20 (G20). South Africa has taken over the Presidency of the G20 for 2025.

“This is our moment to lead. Not just as the City of Tshwane or the City of Johannesburg, but as Africa’s voice in the global urban conversation.

“Through U20 2025, we have the opportunity to shape a future that is just, sustainable, and inclusive. A future where African cities are not just participants but leaders in the global urban agenda.

“As co-hosts of U20 2025, our mission is clear: to ensure that the voice of African cities is heard on the world stage and that the priorities of the Global South are brought into the G20 agenda,” Moya said.

The U20 is a city diplomacy initiative which includes cities from the G20 countries and this year’s theme will be “Cities Leading the Way in Reimagining Global Change”.

Key priorities for this year include:
•    Economic opportunities and financing
•    Climate action and urban resilience
•    Social inclusion and equity
•    Digital transformation and innovation

Engaging citizens

Moya highlighted that although this year’s U20 will build on the foundation laid by last year’s co-chairs São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, “our goal is to ensure that this presidency reflects the realities of African cities and the needs of our communities”.

“U20 is a global initiative, but its success will not be measured in communiqués and declarations alone. Its impact must be felt at a local level. 

“This is not just about diplomatic meetings and international cooperation. It is about real economic opportunities, real investment, and real solutions for our people. It is about ensuring that the people of Tshwane and Johannesburg see themselves in this process and feel its benefits.

“We must use this platform not just to advocate for our cities on the global stage, but to showcase their resilience, innovation, and leadership to our own communities,” she said.

Pressing further, Moya emphasised that the impact of the U20 “must extend beyond government officials and politicians” who will gather for the U20 Sherpa Summit and African Mayor’s Assembly in June and the Mayoral Summit in September.

“We are committed to ensuring that the U20 process engages the people it is meant to serve. That means creating spaces for public dialogue and community participation, ensuring that our residents have a voice in shaping urban policies. 

“It means fostering connections between local entrepreneurs and global investors, creating pathways for businesses to grow. It means recognising that Tshwane, as a knowledge hub, has world-class institutions that must be part of this conversation.

“Cities are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, economic inequality, and social exclusion. It is time for our voices to be heard at the highest levels of global decision-making,” Moya said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

NeoB
Mon, 03/03/2025 - 12:05
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Deputy Minister refutes claims of idle Firefighting vehicles at centurion fire station

Location: News

Deputy Minister refutes claims of idle Firefighting vehicles at centurion fire station

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts has refuted claims that firefighting vehicles procured by the department are sitting idle in depots across the country instead of being deployed for active service.

On Monday, the Deputy Minister visited the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality’s Fire Station in Centurion to inspect the firefighting vehicles stored there by the department.

According to a statement issued by the department, the vehicles were procured for use by a service provider in the implementation of the Working on Fire Programme. However, the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) found that service providers were expected to use their own resources to execute bid-related objectives under the current five-year contract, which commenced on 6 January 2023.

Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality is among the municipalities earmarked to receive these firefighting vehicles once the transfer process is finalised.

The Deputy Minister’s visit follows media reports alleging that the vehicles are being left unused instead of being deployed for firefighting efforts. 

Additionally, there were claims that no DFFE firefighting vehicles were parked at the Tshwane Fire Station and that some vehicles stored at other municipal fire stations had been stripped of key components, such as batteries.

“The purpose of my visit to Tshwane Fire Station in Centurion was to verify the presence and condition of our firefighting vehicles. I can confirm that nine firefighting vehicles are parked here and that they have not been vandalised, contrary to some reports,” the Deputy Minister said.

She further dismissed claims that the vehicles had been unused for more than two years.

“These vehicles arrived at Tshwane Fire Station in November 2024. Any suggestion that they have been sitting idle for two years is incorrect,” she clarified.

The Deputy Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by Fire Protection Associations (FPAs) due to the repossession of vehicles from the service provider, Kishugu. She reassured FPAs and forestry stakeholders that the department was working to expedite the transfer of the vehicles to municipalities.

“I recognise the challenges that Fire Protection Associations have faced due to this transition. I, however, commit to ensuring that the process to transfer these firefighting vehicles to the respective municipalities is expedited so that these vehicles can go back to work and assist FPAs to attend to veld fire incidents in our communities. 

“Having said that, we must also afford municipalities the opportunity to follow their internal processes – including coming up with Council resolutions - regarding the transfer of these firefighting vehicles,” Swarts added.

In total, DFFE has reclaimed 283 firefighting vehicles from Kishugu. Of these, 107 are earmarked to be transferred to various municipalities in the country. 

The remaining 176 vehicles are used by the department’s internal forestry branch to manage fires in DFFE plantations across the country. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Tue, 02/18/2025 - 09:41
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Hammaskraal water declared safe for consumption

Location: News

Hammaskraal water declared safe for consumption

Drinking water in Hammanskraal has been declared safe for consumption, following concerns over water quality in the area.

In response to the concerns raised in media reports, an urgent meeting was convened by Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, City of Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya, and Magalies Water. The meeting, held last Friday, addressed a temporary water supply disruption that caused brief turbidity in the drinking water.

“The meeting confirmed that the water is now safe to drink. It was agreed that officials from the City and Magalies Water would meet weekly to ensure proper coordination and timeous, and clear communication to the public regarding any water supply disruptions,” the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) said in a statement on Saturday.

The department confirmed that Magalies Water experienced a power failure at its Klipdrift Water Treatment Works on Tuesday, 4 February 2025, following a severe storm that damaged the mini-substation supplying electricity to the facility.

The storm caused severe damage to the substation, necessitating the procurement, installation, and commissioning of a new mini-substation.

Magalies Water successfully completed the installation and commissioning process by Saturday, 8 February 2025. 

After the electricity supply was restored, the plant was promptly restarted, ensuring the resumption of normal water treatment operations.

Due to downtime of the water treatment plant caused by the damage to the electricity substation, the department noted that the reservoirs and reticulation system were empty and dry for a considerable amount of time.

The downtown affected a number of areas, including Mandela Village, Marokolong, Ramotse, Kekana Gardens (Steve Bikoville), Kudube Unit 9, Babelegi Industrial and Bridgeview informal settlement.

The department added that when the system was restarted on 8 February 2025, it took time to recover, and the City of Tshwane and Magalies Water had to conduct testing and flushing of the system to get air out of the supply pipelines.
Water quality in the system is monitored continuously.

However, on 11 February 2025, it was discovered that there was some turbidity in the water, which could have been caused by settled sediments due to the system been dry for a period of time.

The department said all other parameters, apart from turbidity, complied with the South African National Standards (SANS) 241:2015 drinking water quality standard.

“Subsequent tests and further flushing of the distribution system were conducted on 13 February, and the results indicated that there was no non-compliance on any water quality parameters. The water in the system continues to be compliant to SANS 241:2015 and safe for human consumption.

“Magalies Water’s highly advanced ISO/IEC [International Organisation for Standardisation and the International Electrotechnical Commission] 17025:2017 accredited Scientific Services Laboratory and its staff continuously monitor water quality in the system. Rigorous monitoring protocols are implemented and informed by a risk-based approach that adheres to regulatory frameworks,” the department explained.

The City of Tshwane and Magalies Water, supported by Water and Sanitation, will continue to take samples and assess water quality in Hammanskraal, and the City of Tshwane will also continue to provide updates to residents accordingly.

“Residents are advised to avoid relying on misinformation from social media, which is often unverified and to make use of official notifications published by the City of Tshwane,” the department said. -SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Mon, 02/17/2025 - 10:01
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Fallen soldiers paid the ultimate price 

Location: News

Fallen soldiers paid the ultimate price 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) fallen soldiers as gallant heroes who “made the ultimate sacrifice so others may live in peace.”

“Thank you for your sacrifice that others may be free. You died on the battlefield, far from all you held dear. But you are home now. You have come to your resting place. We are here to receive you with open arms and to lay you to rest,” the President said. 

This as the President and Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, led the transfer ceremony and memorial service for the troops killed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at Swartkop Air Force Base in Tshwane. 

READ | Remains of 14 SANDF troops finally home 

Thursday’s emotionally charged events saw the weather mirror the sombre mood as rain fell while the mortal remains of the soldiers were ushered in, offering a poignant backdrop to a painful moment for the nation.

The families of the deceased found some solace in receiving the remains of their loved ones as, addressing them and the nation, President Ramaphosa assured them that their sons had not died in vain.

“To the families gathered here, we thank you for your sacrifice for you have made the ultimate sacrifice as well, by letting this country have your sons so they can serve the cause of peace on our continent. 

“And I thank you as a Commander in Chief of [the] Armed Forces because they have paid the ultimate price. We as South Africans join you in your grief as you feel pain as a result of your loss so overwhelming. As a nation we will forever be thankful to you as individual families for the sacrifice you have made. We will give them the honours that they deserve.”

Duty

The fallen soldiers had been deployed as part of South Africa’s commitment to peacekeeping efforts in the DRC under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission. Their mission was to protect the defenceless and contribute to the vision of a conflict-free Africa.

“Our nation is in mourning for these brave souls who lost their lives in defence of our brothers and sisters in the eastern DRC. They lost their lives in the name of duty, in pursuit of peace, and in the cause of silencing the guns across our beloved continent,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President also extended condolences to the families of the soldiers from Tanzania and Malawi who perished in the same mission, thanking the Ugandan government and SADC partners for their support in bringing back the nation’s fallen heroes. 

A nation in grief

Delivering his tribute, General Maphwanya expressed disappointment at the discourse surrounding SANDF’s deployment, urging South Africans to respect the sacrifice of those who had perished.

“As South Africans, we sometimes behave as if we enjoy inflicting pain on ourselves. A nation in grief for their fallen heroes should not be throwing accusations and counter-accusations about the merits and demerits of our deployment,” he said.

He also addressed the ongoing discussions about defence funding, arguing that while the issue remains pressing, it should not overshadow the moment of grief.

“Our fallen heroes would be asking if it is the right time to open a debate on defence funding. We have stated, without shame, that a drastic injection is required to build capacity in the SANDF, but these are interactions that we make with those who are supposed to listen to us,” he said.

Maphwanya added that “we should not be politicising this matter, saying the SANDF could have done better. Our people were armed, resourced, and capable of meeting the challenge they faced.” 

President Ramaphosa also echoed General Maphwanya’s concerns over the politicisation of the soldiers’deaths, calling for a moment of unity and respect.

“He is decrying the politicisation of this whole mission and indeed the politicisation of the lives of our soldiers. His call is a correct one. This is not a time to be debating all the matters that have been current in our media but a time to mourn the death of our fallen soldiers,” he asserted.

Bravery 

General Maphwanya paid tribute to the courage of the soldiers, stating that they had marched into the heart of darkness with unwavering resolve.

“Each member of the SANDF who answered the call to serve in the DRC carried out the mission with the spirit of selflessness and sacrifice. They fought gallantly against the M23 rebels who threatened the fragile peace, embodying the essence of what it means to be a defender of freedom,” he said.

Turning to the grieving families, he reassured them that their loved ones bravery would never be forgotten.

“I want you to know that your loved ones served with unwavering bravery and looked death in the face. They challenged what seemed like a daunting task that many wouldn’t have liked to face, and yet they persevered. Their commendable conduct personified the spirit of resilience, demonstrating a level of commitment that inspires us all. They did not back down in the face of adversity; instead, they rose to the occasion,” he said.

Heroes 

As the military planes stood silent on the tarmac and soldiers saluted their fallen comrades one last time, the weight of their sacrifice was felt.

“To the families, we say, take comfort that they were heroes. Their work in the DRC was not just about maintaining order; it was about building bridges, fostering understanding, and creating pathways to lasting peace,” President Ramaphosa stated.

Quoting the poet S.E.K Mqhayi, the President offered words of comfort. 

“Be consoled, all you orphans, Be consoled, all you widows, Somebody has to die, so that something can be built, Somebody has to serve, so that others can live.”

As South Africa bowed its head in collective mourning, the President reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to peace, stability, and honouring the memory of those who had paid the ultimate price.

Stabilising the continent 

The President emphasised that the country has a long-standing history of participating in peacekeeping missions, proving its dedication to stability on the continent. 

Despite the sacrifices made, including the loss of soldiers, South Africa remains steadfast in its mission to build and maintain peace.

“As South Africa we will not weaken in our resolve to realise the vision of an Africa free from war and conflict; an Africa free of poverty and underdevelopment; and an Africa at peace with itself and the world. 

“The achievement of this vision is the most fitting tribute we can pay to our fallen heroes and the greatest honour to their memory. We will not forget them. These are the sons of our African soil, and these are the honoured heroes of our country,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 02/14/2025 - 10:49

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