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Majodina hands over Garden Route Dam raw water pump station

Location: News

Majodina hands over Garden Route Dam raw water pump station

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, has marked World Water Day celebration by officially handing over a newly Garden Route Dam raw water pumpstation to the George Local Municipality, Western Cape.

Unveiled on Saturday, the newly upgraded Garden Route Pump Station and its association infrastructure, forms part of the Budget Facility Water Project being implemented at George Local Municipality.

The upgraded work at the dam and pump station involved replacing the old 600 millimetres (mm) diameter pipe with new 800 mm diameter steel outlet pipes to increase the pumping capacity of raw water into the balancing dam. 

In addition, two 1 250 kilovolt-amperes (KVA) generators were installed to ensure uninterrupted pumping, even during power supply failures.

The department stated that this project is one of 12 sub-projects under the Water Security and Remedial Works Project underway in the municipality. 

The total project value exceeds R1.1 billion and is funded by the National Treasury’s Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) from the Department of Water and Sanitation. 

The department allocated the funds to the municipality to implement the project over four years.

George Municipality, which is also the implementing agent of the project, has contributed an additional R305 million to make the total budget R1.4 billion. 

The multiple-phase project started in 2022 and is anticipated to be completed by December 2025.

Speaking at the event, Majodina said the handing over of the completed project at George Municipality, reaffirms government’s commitment to expand access to safe drinking water to all citizens. 

“George municipality is rapidly growing with the current daily potable water demand of 38 megalitres per day, and it is projected to increase to 106 megalitres per day over the next 50 years. Today is a demonstration of our commitment to ensure that we meet the rising water demand that is occasioned by the rapid population growth,” the Minister said. 

She said the project was an example of a successful inter-departmental collaboration between the national, provincial and local governments.  

She added that the project would ensure that the municipality has a sustainable supply of water for generations to come.

Mayor of George Municipality, Jacqueline von Brandis, expressed deep appreciation to the Minister and the department for the funding as it has unlocked economic and socio-economic opportunities for the tourism-inclined municipality. 

“We are celebrating an example of intergovernmental success. We are here to showcase the outstanding work and service delivery that can be achieved if we work together. Our BFI grant has been instrumental in enabling us to make significant strides in ensuring that our ever-growing city is water-secured for generations to come," von Brandis said.

The mayor also extended her gratitude towards the Department of Water and Sanitation and National Treasury for this investment. 

George Municipality currently provides water services to over 294 942 residents from 85 931 households across 28 wards, including Pacaltsdorp, Thembalethu, and coastal areas such as Kleinkrantz, Wilderness, Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, and Gwaing.

Over the years, the municipality has experienced a substantial increase in its population. 

The 12 phases of the project will improve water security and resilience for the current residents and support significant future expansion in various areas within George.

The projects will also prevent sewage spillages through upgrading critical sewage pump stations.

The core of the project is to increase the security of raw water supply to the Garden Route Dam and raw water balancing dams and to increase the capacity of two Water Treatment Works (WTW), which currently provide 38 megalitres (ml/d) to communities. 

The project will therefore increase this capacity to 60 60 Megaliters Per Day (ml/d), through the construction of a new 20 ml/d extension and the upgrading of the old WTW.

The upgrade of the Kaaimans River raw water pump station, which transports water from the Kaaimans River to the Garden Route Dam, will improve the supply and storage of raw water.

This enhancement will increase the bulk availability and security of raw water for the current and future population of George.

The scope of the 12 sub-projects includes:

  • A new 20 ml/d water treatment works adjacent to the old 38 ml/d water treatment plant
  • Construction of a new sludge treatment plant
  • Rehabilitation of old water treatment plant   
  • Refurbishment of the existing sludge discharge system in the old water treatment plant
  • Upgrade of Garden Route Dam outlet supply pipework
  • New Generator for Garden Route Dam Pumpstation
  • New 40 megalitres balancing dam and pipeline to new water treatment plant
  • Replacement of pumps for Kaaimans River pumpstations
  • New reservoir for Pacaltsdorp (West)
  • New reservoir, tower, and pump station of Pacaltsdorp (East)
  • New pump station and upgrade of supply pipeline for Thembalethu (West)
  • New reservoir, tower, and pump station for Thembalethu (East)

The department highlighted that George Municipality is geared for current and future residential and commercial developments in the east of George and two other more prominent future development areas to the east of Thembalethu and the south of Pacaltsdorp. 

“Therefore, the water security and remedial works project will provide certainty that water services will be provided to new residential units as well as commercial and industrial sites,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Sun, 03/23/2025 - 10:19
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Employment and Labour Committee Supports Interventions to Avert Job Losses at AMSA

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour supports government's intervention and engagement with ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) regarding potential job losses due to the company's decision to wind down its long steel business, exploring avenues to avert job losses and support affected workers.

AMSA raised concerns about possible job losses in the KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces as a result of possible closure of the company. The briefing the committee received from the Department of Employment and Labour yesterday was appreciative of the cooperation between the departments of Employment and Labour; Trade, Industry and Competition; and other role-players to secure the possible return of AMSA.

Regarding the report of the performance of the Department of Employment and Labour's entities – the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and the Compensation Fund (CF) – in the third quarter, the committee noted areas of overachievement in the quarter from both entities in the area of service delivery.

However, the committee raised concerns about a pervasive culture in the department of not filling vacant positions and of employing people in long-standing acting positions. The department should lead by example by filling vacancies to promote a culture of doing so in the entire government system, as this is a problem across all spheres of government, the committee said.

The department was unable to respond to questions on this issue from the committee about why these posts were not filled permanently with suitable and competent people. The department asked to be granted another opportunity to provide the committee with a comprehensive response on this issue.

On the Labour Activation Programme (LAP), the committee Chairperson, Mr Boyce Maneli, said this is a noble project that creates employment opportunities and promotes entrepreneurial development. In this regard, Mr Maneli said the committee is happy with the funding of LAP projects in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and in North West, which launched recently. “We know that this project will cover all the provinces at the end,” he said.

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

Read moreEmployment and Labour Committee Supports Interventions to Avert Job Losses at AMSA

President takes ‘dim view’ on US visit seeking Cape secession

Location: News

President takes 'dim view' on US visit seeking Cape secession

President Cyril Ramaphosa takes a “very strong dim view” of a proposed visit to the United States of America by the Cape Independence Advocacy Group to seek the Western Cape’s secession from South Africa.

This according to Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya who addressed the media on Thursday morning.

“Our constitutional democracy that we forged in 1994, created a singular, non-racial state that recognises and protects our unity in diversity. From Musina to Cape Town, we are one democratic society that should never be allowed to fall under the chasm of race divide.

“There is no part of our beautiful land that can be allowed to secede. The President cautions everyone to exercise his or her Constitutionally given right, but to do so in the manner that does not undermine and subvert Constitutional democracy in South Africa.

“We should all be actively engaged in building a better South Africa in the face of unpredictable geo-political dynamics,” Magwenya said.

Turbulent times

Of late, South Africa has grappled with tensions with the United States of America, following the promulgation of the Expropriation Act of 2025 and, more recently, the expulsion of South African Ambassador to the USA, Ebrahim Rasool.

Magwenya explained that the Expropriation Act of 2025 replaces the Apartheid government’s 1975 Expropriation Act to align it to the country’s “land reform policies in line with our democratic Constitutional order”. 

“The new Act introduces a transparent expropriation basis that strikes a healthy balance on land reform with legal protections. The Expropriation Act followed all legal prescribed channels to be enacted into law.

“Therefore, it leaves one to wonder what wrong have we done as a country with respect to this particular Act. We remain a rule of law society, and we adhere unwaveringly to the principles of our Constitutional democracy.

“We strongly reject any insinuation or assertion that through the Expropriation Act, we are committing acts of human rights violations, we are arbitrarily expropriating land,” Magwenya said.

On the return of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, Magwenya said government urges all political formations planning homecoming rallies for the ambassador to “refrain from partaking or engaging in actions that may seem inflammatory” and that may “worsen the already volatile diplomatic relationship with the United States”. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 03/20/2025 - 12:54
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Motorists urged to obey rules of the road ahead of long weekend

Location: News

Motorists urged to obey rules of the road ahead of long weekend

The Western Cape Government (WCG) has urged all motorists to prioritise road safety by adhering to speed limits, as many prepare to travel during the upcoming long weekend.

From 10 and 16 March 2025, Western Cape law enforcement officers issued 200 speeding fines across the province, with the highest recorded speed being 160 km/h in a 120 km/h zone.

“Excessive speeding continues to be one of the most significant contributors to road crashes, injuries and fatalities,” the WCG said in a statement. 

At high speeds, the provincial government warned that drivers have less time to respond to sudden obstacles, traffic changes, or emergencies. 

The WCG reminded motorists that excessive speed makes it more difficult to navigate turns, avoid obstacles, and keep a vehicle stable. Vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, are often at the greatest risk when motorists speed excessively.

“Speeding not only increases the likelihood of incidents but also reduces reaction time, making it more difficult to avoid hazards. The faster a vehicle travels, the greater the force of impact in a collision, leading to often devastating consequences,” said Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku.

The MEC said serious injuries involving pedestrians and reckless or negligent driving continue to take a significant toll on the province. 

“Every motorist has a responsibility to help keep our roads safe. We urge all drivers to remain mindful of their speed, drive responsibly, and make safety a priority – not just during the long weekend, but every time they get behind the wheel,” Sileku said.

The WCG has wished travellers a safe journey and appealed to motorists to be considerate and careful as they make their way to their destinations and back safely home.

To ensure a safe and incident-free long weekend, motorists are advised to:

•    Stick to the prescribed speed limits at all times. Speeding is not worth the risk.

•    Allow enough time to reach your destination, without the need to rush, or accept that you will arrive later than planned at your destination.

•    Maintain a safe following distance between your vehicle and the one ahead.

•    Stay focused on the road and avoid using mobile phones, or engaging in other distractions while driving.

•    Ensure everyone is buckled up. This will significantly reduce the chances of serious injury.

•    Fatigue impairs judgement and reaction time, stop and rest every two hours or 200km during long trips.

•    Reduce speed when visibility is poor or in heavy traffic conditions. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 03/20/2025 - 13:30
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Government adopts improved approach to curb road crashes

Location: News

Government adopts improved approach to curb road crashes

Over the last two months, government has adopted an improved approach to managing road safety and it has resulted in a decrease in road crashes.

“The consequence of these actions is that we saw a 10% month-on-month decline in accidents in January 2025 compared with January 2024, and a 25% decline in accidents when one compares February 2025 with February 2024,” Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy, said on Thursday.

As part of this strategy, the Department of Transport has deployed the National Traffic Police on key routes at month end, deepened cooperation and focused on high-risk areas amongst national, provincial and municipal traffic officers. It also focuses on arresting pedestrians who walk on highways.

During this period 21 282 fines were issued to drivers for speeding, and over 3 000 drivers were arrested for drunk driving during January and February. About 12 000 illegal vehicles were impounded.

The Minister was speaking during the launch of the 2025 Easter Season Road Safety Arrive Alive campaign, that is taking place from 20 March to 2 May 2025, under the theme: “It begins with Me”. 

“We chose this theme because driver and pedestrian behaviour is responsible for 87% of road accidents and fatalities in our country. And so, reducing road fatalities and accidents is the responsibility of each one of us.

“The National Traffic Police, [including] South African Police Services provincial traffic departments, Cross Border Road Traffic Agency, Border Management Agency, the metros and local authorities, will work together to patrol routes leading to Limpopo, KwaZulu Natal, Mpumalanga, Free State, Eastern Cape and Western Cape. High visibility will also be maintained in Gauteng.

“We have identified the most critical routes across the country requiring additional resources and more focused monitoring over this period,” she said.

These include among others, the following:

  • The N4 Nelspruit;
  • Mankweng (R71);
  • Libode on the N2, Mthatha’s R61;
  • Parys (FS), R54;
  • Harrismith and the N3;
  • KwaDukuza, N2 in KZN and
  • N4 Middleburg in Mpumalanga.

Over the next six weeks the department will focus on working with the bus industry to check vehicle roadworthiness and educate drivers on fatigue management ahead of the Easer weekend.

Meetings will also be held with faith-based sector to support safe and appropriate travel arrangements to the big events over the Easter weekend. Taxi ranks will be visited to inspect vehicles and safer driving practices will be promoted. -SAnews.gov.za

 

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Thu, 03/20/2025 - 14:09
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Simelane commits to implement recommendations into George building collapse

Location: News

Simelane commits to implement recommendations into George building collapse

Human Settlements Minister, Thembi Simelane, has undertaken to implement all recommendations contained in the final report of the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) into a building that collapsed in George, in the Western Cape in 2024.

The current preliminary report suggests that several procedures were not followed, a breach of the Housing Consumers Protection Act Measures Act, 1998 (Act No. 95 of 1998) and the recently signed Consumer Protection Act 25 of 2004.

NHBRC is a regulatory body established to protect the interests of housing consumers and to regulate the home-building industry in South Africa.

Its primary functions include ensuring that home builders are registered and adhere to prescribed building standards and ethical practices and conducting inspections during various stages of construction to ensure compliance with national building regulations and technical standards.

“Upon its finalisation, should it happen that there are procedural flaws and compromise of NHBRC building standards, we will not hesitate to refer its recommendations to the law enforcement authorities for investigation and possible criminal charges,” Simelane said.

The Minister underscored that if any crime was committed, including by her officials at NHBRC, she would not hesitate to act.

She acknowledged that the George building collapse was of public interest, and committed to taking the nation into her confidence once the final report has been concluded.

The Minister urged the nation to be patience as the process is at an advanced stage.

“The Ministry of Human Settlements will not conduct further media engagements on the matter while a final report is being prepared.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

GabiK
Tue, 03/18/2025 - 10:14
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Majodina commends progress in Clanwilliam Dam wall project

Location: News

Majodina commends progress in Clanwilliam Dam wall project

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina the department will ensure the acceleration of the R5.7 billion project to raise Clanwilliam Dam wall situated in Olifants River, Western Cape.

Majodina made the remarks during an oversight visit at the dam on Saturday.

The mega project in Cederberg Municiaplity, is one of the department’s priority projects, and is expected to be completed in 2028.

“Let us ensure that we accelerate the project so that it can be finalised on time. The project will not only determine the safety of the dam but will also bring economic spin-offs to the area of Clanwilliam and its surroundings. 

“I am satisfied with the progress of the project and the multiple work that is running concurrently. This will speed up the completion of the project,” Majodina said.

According to the department, the project is “part of the Olifants-Doorn River Water Resources Project (ODRWP) currently under way”.

“The concrete placement of the dam’s Apron started in March and was completed in June last year. This is a construction of a concrete structure below the dam to protect it against water washes in the dam or to form a basin to control flows. The apron also prevents sediments, organic matter, and pollutants to potentially reduce storage capacity and impacting on the water quality, 

“The completed project will supply raw water from the Clanwilliam Dam to the farmers, municipalities, mines and industries in the Olifants River valley between the dam and the estuary (river mouth). The pre-construction activities at the dam commenced in 2018 and the construction progress is currently at 21% as of 01 March 2025,” the department said.

The project has been broken down into several components with the main component “the alignment of the N7 National Route completed in 2017”.

“The dam wall was last raised between 1962 and 1966, with the overspill crest that was increased by 3 metres in length and 13 crest gates raised by 3.05 metres, each at 7.77 metres wide.

“The completed project will not only improve the dam safety standards under high flood conditions but will also improve assurance of water supply to the existing irrigators. The newly renovated dam will also increase its annual yield by approximately 70 million cubic metres per year, thereby benefitting and developing the emerging and small-scale farmers in the area,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 03/16/2025 - 15:04
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Government determined to tackle economic challenges

Location: News

Government determined to tackle economic challenges

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has stressed the urgent need to tackle the nation’s pressing challenges in light of sluggish economic growth and has called for a collective effort to improve the quality of life for all citizens.

“As we embark on this journey, we must have a full appreciation that the first 15 years of democracy were characterised by high economic growth. However, the last decade and a half has been characterised by stagnant growth,” he said on Thursday. 

According to the Deputy President, the stagnant growth of the past decade and a half has led to calls for immediate action to initiate structural reforms that would bolster gross domestic product (GDP) growth and create job opportunities.

“I must state from the onset that the responsibility of guiding South Africa to greater prosperity is not solely on the shoulders of the government. It is a shared responsibility among the business community, NGOs [non-governmental organisations], civil society and all those who aspire to see our country prosper.”

The Deputy President was speaking at the 7th BizNews Conference (BNC#7) at the Hermanus Municipal Auditorium in the Western Cape. 

The BizNews Conference is an annual event focused on investment, business, and political issues.

The country’s second-in-command opened the dialogue with a reflection on South Africa’s democratic journey.

Mashatile underscored the issues plaguing the nation, including poverty, inequality, unemployment and corruption, which he believes threaten the fabric of South Africa’s democracy.  

“They keep us, and if I may say so myself, awake at night because if we do not swiftly overcome these systemic economic issues, we shall experience perpetual unrest.” 

Commitment to cooperation

He said the recent Budget Speech by the Minister of Finance highlights a step toward addressing these dilemmas. 

According to the Deputy President, yesterday’s Budget was the product of a consensus reached within the Government of National Unity (GNU) following last month’s postponement. 

“As I have indicated on several occasions, having a GNU Cabinet does not imply that we will agree on everything. There will be times when we do not view things the same way, but this does not spell the end of the GNU.” 

However, Mashatile stressed GNU’s commitment to prioritising the needs of its citizens.

He also took the time to reinforce the credibility of the GNU amid scepticism about its longevity and effectiveness. 

“Several coalition governments around the world have collapsed as a consequence of misunderstandings about the country’s Budget; this is but a reflection of democracy at work.”

The Deputy President assured attendees that the focus was on inclusive growth, job creation and addressing the high cost of living, while striving to build a capable and ethical State.

“We must do this to find solutions to the challenges that confront our nation,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Thu, 03/13/2025 - 13:30
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SA focuses on improving diplomatic relations with United States

Location: News

SA focuses on improving diplomatic relations with United States

Deputy President Paul Mashatile says South Africa is working on stabilising relations with the United States of America (USA), given the long-standing ties between the two nations.

Addressing the 7th BizNews Conference (BNC#7) at the Hermanus Municipal Auditorium in the Western Cape, on Thursday, the Deputy President said this partnership is also significant to South Africa's economic development goals.

The BizNews Conference is an annual event focused on investment, business and political issues.

The Deputy President emphasised the need for collaborative efforts, in light of recent cuts to key health funding programmes, such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

PEPFAR was established by former President George W Bush in 2003 and continued under various administrations.

“The withdrawal of PEPFAR funding highlights the urgent need for South Africa to further strengthen its own interventions to reach the most vulnerable and access health services and support," Mashatile said.

He said the opportunity showed the importance of bolstering the country's own healthcare interventions and ensuring the delivery of health services without heavy reliance on external assistance.

"In this regard, we have been investing heavily in healthcare reform and responding to the dual epidemics of HIV/AIDS and TB. The Department of Health has put measures in place to ensure that patients receiving TB and HIV treatment are not affected and do not default," said the Deputy President.

Mashatile encouraged stakeholders to unite and support government in promoting South Africa's interests in the United States, including through mechanisms such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

"The loss of AGOA benefits would have the most devastating effect on South African farmers and agriculture workers. AGOA is presently providing support to South Africa's agriculture and manufacturing sectors, which is expected to generate around $21 billion in trade with the United States.

“Therefore, our position is that South Africa should maintain strong bilateral relations with the United States. Most importantly, as a country, we are committed to improving mutually beneficial trade, political, and diplomatic relations with the United States,” he said. 

Diversifying export markets and growing the economy

The country’s second-in-command stated that South Africa should push for diversified export markets, citing ongoing engagement with global powers such as China, Russia, India, and various European countries. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa is currently co-chairing the EU-South Africa Summit, which aims to deepen relations with the European Union (EU) across several domains, including trade, security, and sustainable development.

In addition, Mashatile highlighted the importance of intra-African trade and financial cooperation through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). 

According to the Deputy President, the AfCFTA is a crucial step toward reducing dependency on volatile global markets.

Mashatile believes that South Africa’s wealth of natural resources, including significant agricultural potential, is positioned as an attraction for investment. 

He said government is committed to removing blockages to economic growth, lifting economic expansion to above 3% in the medium-term, and creating a cycle of investment, growth and jobs.

He outlined government’s plans to focus on improving productivity and innovating skills development through the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy as part of a broader vision for a knowledge-based economy.

Furthermore, he said the newly approved Reconceptualised Human Resource Development Strategy outlines priority goals aimed at enhancing early education outcomes, increasing youth employability, and ensuring that higher education aligns with market demands. 

FATF grey list

The Deputy President said South Africa is making steady progress in efforts to be removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

"Through new legislation, we have strengthened our ability to prevent money laundering and fraud, and secure South Africa’s removal from the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force."

He said the country has addressed 20 of the 22 action items relating to combating money laundering and terrorist financing. 

“These improvements are essential not only to remove ourselves from the grey list but also to strengthen the battle against crime and corruption, which is crucial for the betterment of all South Africans. 

“We will continue to resolve both remaining action items by June, towards our removal from the grey list by October 2025,” he said.

Moreover, the Deputy President committed that South Africa will use its Group of 20 (G20) Presidency to place Africa’s development at the top of the agenda. – SAnews.gov.za

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Thu, 03/13/2025 - 13:52
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President Ramaphosa engages EU on new investment package

Location: News

President Ramaphosa engages EU on new investment package

With the 8th South Africa-European Union (SA-EU) Summit underway, President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa intends to hold further constructive discussions on a new investment package by the EU, to South Africa.

“Through this we aim to consolidate cooperation in areas such as science and technology, education and skills development, climate action, peace and security, health and critical minerals,” the President said on Thursday.

This as he is co-chairing the summit with the President of the European Council, António Luís Santos da Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Dr. Ursula von der Leyen, at Tuynhuys, in Cape Town.

READ | Summit to strengthen SA-EU relations

Held in the Western Cape, the 8th Summit takes place within the framework of the Strategic Partnership between South Africa and the European Union. 

“As one of South Africa’s most important trade and investment partners, the European Union can play a catalytic role in unleashing the productive capacity of our economy and equip our people, especially the youth, to participate in the economy of the future. 

“We hope we can continue to rely on the support of the European Union and its member states in our efforts to alleviate poverty, transition to a low-carbon economy, invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and grow our industrial capacity,” the President explained.

In addition, the President welcomed the EU’s support for multilateral institutions and the fundamental principles of the United Nations.

“This Summit is taking place at a time of global uncertainty characterised by rising unilateralism, economic nationalism and a retreat from international law and human rights.

“We hope to work closely with the European Union and other partners to strengthen and reform institutions of global governance to make them more inclusive and capable of meeting the challenges of the present and the future. 

We should collectively strengthen our voice in defence of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, including respect for international law and international humanitarian law. We welcome the support of the European Union for Africa’s developmental needs.”

Partnership

He emphasised that African relations with the European Union should be built on a mutually beneficial partnership in the spirit of shared ownership, responsibility, respect and mutual accountability. 

“Today we will discuss our shared interest to advance peace, security, stability and sustainable development on the continent and across the world. This Summit affirms our long-standing and close relationship, which is underpinned by the South Africa-European Union Strategic Partnership. 

“This is a partnership based on shared values and common interests. A partnership that seeks to create prosperity for our citizens and promote peace, safety and stability.

“We share a commitment to inclusive multilateralism as the most effective means to address the most pressing challenges facing the world.  We agree on the need to strengthen economic cooperation and resolve challenges in our trade relations,” the President said.

Reforms 

He mentioned that South Africa is forging ahead with far-reaching structural reforms to support economic recovery. 

“We are modernising and transforming key industries such as energy, water, transport and digital communications. We have already made considerable progress, supported by institutions such as the European Investment Bank. 

“These reforms are contributing to the improvement of the country’s competitiveness and investment environment,” the President said. 

According to the Presidency, the Summit follows a series of preparatory engagements that included the Joint Cooperation Council (JCC) held in January in Brussels. -SAnews.gov.za

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Thu, 03/13/2025 - 16:00
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Seizure of 155 Illegal Firearms Welcomed Amidst Calls for Effective Prosecution

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, has sincerely welcomed the information that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has, through intelligence-led operations across the country, seized 155 illegal firearms over the past week.

“While the 155 illegal firearms represent a drop in the ocean in the context of the scourge of illegal firearms that continue to be in circulation, the seizure is testament to the realisation by the SAPS of this ongoing challenge and a tangible proof that action is being taken to remedy this scourge. Also, the seizures show the value of disruptive and intelligence-led operations in the fight against crime,” Mr Cameron said.

It is worth highlighting, Mr Cameron noted, that until the SAPS optimally utilises the might and prowess of the Intelligence Services, these small victories will not gather momentum and create the necessary ripple effect needed to stop crime and criminality. Furthermore, while it is commendable that 14 165 suspects were arrested, these arrests will remain meaningless if they are not followed up with effective criminal prosecution and incarceration.

“Illegal firearms continue to be the leading weapon of choice for violent crime in the country and concerted effort must be made to remove them from our streets. This cannot continue to be a talking point; action is long overdue,” Mr Cameron emphasised. Mr Cameron also congratulated the Western Cape police for ensuring the seizure of 38 handguns in the province. In a province hugely affected by gang violence and wanton killing, the removal of these firearms has contributed to the saving of life.

Mr Cameron also commended the SAPS Anti-Kidnapping Task Team for rescuing an Ethiopian businessman from a kidnaping ring in Johannesburg. The upward trend in kidnappings requires decisive intervention and capacitation of the Anti-Kidnapping Task Team is one way of tackling the scourge and ensuring safety and security for all. The Chairperson underscored his belief that the rescue will highlight the SAPS' willingness to uproot this scourge wherever it rears its head.

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

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