Daily Archives: July 3, 2025

Ntshavheni: “The world is undergoing rapid and profound changes”

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The Minister in Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 July 2025- The Minister in Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said she presented the Budget Vote 14: Statistics South Africa for the financial year 2025/2026 and the medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF) period, as they start with the work of the 7th administration in earnest.

Ntshavheni said after the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana tabled the annual budget in compliance with the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, Section 27 and sub-section 4 provides that “when the annual budget is introduced to the National Assembly, the accounting officer for each department must submit to parliament measurable objectives for each main division within the department’s vote.”

She further said the Statistician-General has complied with provisions of sub-section 4 and the Portfolio Committee of Planning Monitoring and Evaluation, having considered the Strategic Plan and Annual Work plan of the StatsSA, it is her honour to table the Budget Vote 14: Statistics South Africa.

Ntshavheni added that the MTEF allocation is R2.77 billion in 2025/26; and R 2.91 billion and R3.04 billion in the 2026/27 and 2027/28 financial years respectively, which is an average growth rate of 4,7%.

“The main divisions of Vote 14 are, MTEF allocation    2025/26, 2026/27 and 2027/28, Administration 742,7    779,1  and 814,3. Economic Statistics 310,5 325,0 and 339,7. Population and Social Statistics 307,7 322,8 337,4

Methodology and Statistical Infrastructure 166,1 174,0    181,8.

“Statistical Support and Informatics 306,7 322,3 336,9

Statistical Operations and Provincial Coordination 889,2    931,6 973,8. South African National Statistics System 48,4    50,8 53,1. Total expenditure estimates 2 771,3  2 905,6  3 037,0. We request parliament to support the budget vote 14 of Statistics South Africa,” she said.

Ntshavheni said it is important to support this budget vote because they are navigating a path in a world that is undergoing rapid and profound changes and this is equally true in the realm of statistics. She said global fundamental shifts are reshaping every aspect of human life, from the escalating impact of climate change to the swift advancements in artificial intelligence, the rise of digital economies, changing social dynamics, and global geopolitical tensions.

“In a world defined by rapid change, complex challenges, and competing narratives, official statistics provide us with one constant: the truth, told in numbers. They serve as a mirror through which a nation sees itself—not just how it is, but how it is evolving.

“From economic performance and health outcomes to education levels and environmental conditions, statistics are the evidence base upon which sound decisions are made. By accurately capturing and analyzing these trends, we can better equip ourselves to respond to the challenges and opportunities they present, ensuring that our nation remains resilient and forward-thinking in this ever-evolving landscape,” said Ntshavheni.

She said therefore, StatsSA must be able to measure these changes in a dynamic but yet verifiable manner. Ntshavheni said in this rapidly evolving digital and data-driven world, Stats SA remains unwavering in its commitment to the strategy of ‘Improving Lives Through Data Ecosystems.

“As the landscape of information technology and data analytics continues to transform, our focus is on harnessing the power of data to enhance the well-being of our citizens. Stats SA has commenced with the development of a digital business transformation strategy to guide the achievement of ambitious business goals enabled by technology.

“This strategy will align to “South Africa’s roadmap for digital transformation of government” that aims, amongst others, to enhance data exchange for improved access to information for improved service delivery,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

SAFA mourns the passing of Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ngwenya’s father

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: SAFA Chief Medical Officer, Dr Thulani Ngwenya’s father

By REGINALD KANYANE

3 July 2025- The South African Football Association (SAFA) is saddened to hear about the passing of Elias Freddie Ngwenya, the father of SAFA Chief Medical Officer Dr Thulani Ngwenya. Ngwenya Senior passed away on 30 June 2025 and will be laid to rest on 6 July 2025 in Mpumalanga.

Ngwenya acknowledged the support and condolence messages that the family has received after the loss.

“Thank you very much for all the heartfelt messages I have been receiving since the passing of my father on Monday afternoon. He has gone to the waiting area to wait for the day when the trumpet will ring. Angisoli lutho…. We thank God for his life and great importance in my life.

“The will of God has been fulfilled, and it is very well with my soul. Ngwenya Senior was born on 25 December 1942 and his funeral service will start at 6am at KaNyamazane Alliance Church and he will be laid to rest at Rocky Drift Cemetery,” he said.

Meanwhile, SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao said: “We as SAFA, join in mourning his passing and trust that God will grant Ngwenya and the family healing and comfort. May his soul Rest in Peace.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Major challenges facing Department of Military Veterans

NEWS Leave a comment

By OBAKENG MAJE

3 July 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans has expressed deep concern over the ongoing challenges faced by military veterans. The committee said many of them remain in limbo due to delays in receiving their service-related benefits from the Department of Military Veterans (DMV).

The Chairperson of the Committee, Dakota Legoete said during a briefing on the amended Strategic Plans, annual performance plans, and the 2025/26 Budget of the DMV and the Castle Control Board (CCB), the committee stressed that the absence of a permanent Director-General undermines the department’s ability to deliver on its mandate and to manage its budget effectively. Legoete said the committee also highlighted the dysfunctional organisational structure as a major frustration.

“We urgently need the appointment of a Director-General. The current Acting Director General is uncertain about her future, which compromises accountability and decision making. The continued delays in making this appointment destabilise the department and make it difficult for us, as the oversight committee, to track the department’s expenditure and performance.

“The committee said it was sad that the DMV, through its inability to put its stakeholders first, continued to return unspent funds back to the National Treasury. Members of the committee pointed out that on various occasions veterans were reaching out to them complaining after waiting for more than a year for their benefits,” he said.

Legoete further said of specific concern is the roll-out of the pension benefit where it appears that the DMV and implementing agent, the Government Pensions Administration Agency, appear to lack a coherent and responsive plan to serve them. He added that the committee also raised serious concerns about the DMV’s failure to establish a functioning internal audit unit which is an essential tool for financial accountability and risk management.

“The committee highlighted the need for urgent intervention by the executive to turn around the DMV, starting with the appointment of a permanent Director-General, re-evaluating the organisational structure, addressing the findings of the Auditor-General and developing a more responsive department,” said Legoete.

 taungdailynews@gmail.com