First-ever publication in Nature highlights space debris threat

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Picture: NWU Prof Thembinkosi Malevu/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

7 April 2025- The North West University (NWU) has achieved a milestone with its first-ever publication in the journal Nature with Prof Thembinkosi Malevu of the subject group Physics sharing possible solutions to the risks posed by space junk. Co-authored with Prof Richard Ocaya from the University of the Free State, the research focuses on the risks posed by space debris, pieces of old satellites and rockets, falling back to earth. The study highlights incidents where large metal fragments have crashed in places like Kenya and Uganda.

Prof Thembinkosi Malevu said as more satellites are launched into space, the chance of debris falling into populated areas increases, creating risks for people, buildings, land and air traffic. Malevu said the study explains that many space agencies and companies do not have clear plans for removing old satellites from orbit.

“Most of these satellites fall back to Earth, making it difficult to predict where they will land. The research also discusses international agreements that hold countries responsible for damage caused by falling space debris, but these agreements were created before modern satellite technology and do not fully address today’s challenges.

“The researchers warn about a possible chain reaction in space, where pieces of debris collide with working satellites, creating more debris that could make space travel and communication systems unsafe. They point out that many small fragments are too tiny to track, making it difficult to prevent accidents,” he said.

Malevu further said the study calls for better monitoring systems and stronger rules to manage space traffic and prevent dangerous collisions. He added that, to reduce the risks, the study suggests solutions such as better satellite designs that ensure old equipment burns up safely in the atmosphere.

“It also explores possible cleanup methods, including robotic arms, nets and lasers that could remove large pieces of debris from orbit.

“The NWU’s first publication in Nature is an important step in addressing global challenges related to space safety. The study contributes to discussions on policies, environmental impact and the future of space exploration,” said Malevu.

He said the Journal Nature, established in 1869, is a multidisciplinary science journal that has a 90.0 CiteScore, according to Scopus, a SCImago journal rank of 18.509 and a Source Normalised Impact per Paper (SNIP) rating of 10.010. Nature is not to be confused with journals in the Nature Portfolio.

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‘Legal marriage age a major issue’

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Picture: A couple getting married/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

7 April 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has successfully held three public hearings on the Marriage Bill in Mpumalanga. The final hearing was held in Witbank, where the main point of contention was the legal age for an individual to get married.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Mosa Chabane said the Bill received mixed reviews from participants, with the majority in support of the Bill, while others shared various reservations about certain clauses. Chabane said a number of participants argued that while they agreed with the intentions of the Bill to increase the legal age of marriage, they were concerned about the proposed 18 years as too young as they believe an 18-year-old does not have the maturity required to marry and must still finish school and establish themselves in the world.

“Some proposed that the age limit should rather be increased to 21 or 25. There was also a concern that by setting the legal age at 18, it will expose young people to exploitation by foreign nationals intending to get married just to regularise their stay in South Africa.

“Some participants disagreed and argued that the Bill contradicts other laws. They based this argument on the fact that legislation sets the age of sexual consent at 16 years of age. They argued that this incongruency between the two pieces of legislation is problematic and difficult to understand,” he said.

Chabane further said, meanwhile, there were opposing views on the proposal that a man intending to enter into a polygamous marriage must receive written consent from the first wife. He added that those against this provision argued that it is oppressive and said it will destroy a well-established cultural practice.

“Some also contended that the Bill represents the imposition of Western practices and laws on African and traditional practices, which will lead to the dilution and destruction of African culture.

“Some of the participants also argued that the clause is problematic because they believe that many wives will not consent to polygamy,” said Chabane. 

He said those in support of the clause argued that it will end the suppression of the rights of women in polygamous marriages. Chabane said, furthermore, it will also ensure that the property rights of women in polygamous marriages are protected for the benefit of both the wife and children.

“Also, some argued that this provision will prevent delays in the winding up of the deceased estate, in the case of the husband passing away. Some participants from the Muslim community argued that the Bill is not responsive to the Women’s Centre Trust vs the President of the Republic of South Africa Constitutional Court ruling, as the Bill does not recognise Muslim marriages in accordance with Islamic law.

“There was also an argument that the Bill does not regulate the consequences of marriages according to Islamic law. Participants emphasised that while they welcomed legal recognition of Muslim marriages, they did not support the Marriage Bill because Muslims have a unique Personal Law system, and they believe that the Bill converts Muslim marriages into civil marriages,” said Chabane.

He said the committee has now concluded public hearings in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga. Chabane said the committee will in due course communicate dates for the next batch of public hearings in the five remaining provinces.

“The committee reiterated its appreciation for all South Africans who have come out in their numbers to make a meaningful contribution to the Bill,” he said.

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Banna ba ba latofadiwang ka go bolaya motlhankela wa sepodisi ba tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo

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Setshwantsho: Balatofadiwa mo polao ya motlhankela wa sepodisi

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

7 Moranang 2025- Banna ba ba latofadiwang ka go bolaya motlhankela wa sepodisi, Constable Gaerutwe Eric Tekolo (41), wa kwa seteisheng sa sepodisi sa Bray, ba solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Ganyesa mo letsatsing la gompieno. Go begwa fa Tekolo a ile a tlhaselwa le go tlhabiwa ka thipa ke banna ba, kwa Phohung Section, kwa Ganyesa.

Go begwa fa seteishene sa Ganyesa, se ile sa amogela mogala o tlhalosang fa Tekolo a rapaletse kwa mmileng ka ditho tsa go tlhabiwa, mme a na le dikgobalo go utlwala. Go begwa fa ba lelapa la gagwe ba ile ba mo tabogisetsa kwa kliniking ya selegae go ya go bona thuso ya potlako.

Go begwa fa sepodisi se ile sa itelekela kwa kliniking, fela ba fitlhela maloba ele maabane, gonne Tekolo one a setse a balelelwa le baswi.

Go ya ka mogoloe moswi, Pesaloma Tekolo, Eric one a mo letsetsa ka ura ya bo supa maitsiboa, mme a mo tlhalosetsa gore o lebile kwa ntlung ya ga ausi wa gagwe. Pesaloma o tlhalositse fa morwarragwe eleng Eric, a ne a mo kopa gore a tle go mo tsaya, mme ba lebe kwa lapeng kwa motseng wa Madinonyane.

Go begwa fa Pesaloma a ne a tla a lebile kwa ntlung ya ausi wa gagwe, one a bona motho a dutse mo mmileng. Go begwa fa a ne a atimela, mme a lemoga gore motho oo ke Eric.

Go begwa fa moswi a ne a gobetse mo mokwatleng, ga mmogo le mo seropeng, fela a sentse a tshela. Go begwa fa moswi a ne a lotlegela mogoloe gore o tlhasetswe ke banna ba le babedi ba sa itsiweng.

Moswi o ile a tlhalosa fa banna bao, ba ile ba mo tseela mogala wa letheka le sepatshe sa madi, mme ba lebotsa phokoje. Go begwa fa moswi a ile a rwalelwa kwa kliniking go bona thuso. Fela moswi o ile a tlhokafala, mme a isiwa kwa mmoshareng wa puso go tswa kwa kliniking.

Kgabagare, mokwaledi wa South African Policing Union mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Tlou Mpheroane are ba kgala ka bogale tiragalo e. Mpheroane are go bolawa ga batlhankela wa sepodisi ke ntwa kgatlhanong molao.  

“Batlhankela ba sepodisi ke bone ba ba lwantshang bosenyi le go tlisa kagiso mo setshabeng. Jannong, botlhe ba ba kgatlhanong le seo, ebile ba bolaya batlhankela bao, ba nyatsa melao le melawana ya Afrika Borwa.

“Jaaka SAPU, re tla be re bolodutse mogwanto kwa ntle ga kgotlhatshekelo ya Ganyesa fa balatofadiwa mo kgetsing e, ba tla be ba dira kopo ya beile. Re kgatlhanong le gore balatofadiwa ba neelwe beile,” Mpheroane wa tlhalosa.

Mpheroane are ba sentse ba ikuela go puso go ka dira kitsiso ya gore botlhe ba ba bolayang batlhankela ba sepodisi ba lebane le tatofatso ya bomenola puso. Mpheroane are batho botlhe ba ba bolayang batlhankela ba sepodisi, ba koafatsa tshireletso ya setshaba.

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Taung Cultural Calabash event to be re-purposed

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Picture: The Taung Cultural Calabash event logo

By OBAKENG MAJE

4 April 2025- The Re Aga Taung Civic Organisation (RATCO) calls on the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie to intervene regarding Taung Cultural Calabash event. The event that always takes place during a heritage month, September, it is now a shadow of itself.  

The Chairperson of Re Aga Taung Civic Organisation (RATCO), Modisaotsile Lebitse said the event was scheduled to take place in March 2025, however, that never happened. Lebitse said they are now dejected as artist representatives.

“Immediately when you mention Taung Cultural Calabash, I feel dejected. The truth of the matter is that, we fighting a losing battle and we not going to win. We tried our level best to ensure that the North West Department of Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation do things right, but we failed.

“I even wrote a letter to the Minister of Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation, Gayton McKenzie, requesting for his intervention. However, he has not responded yet. However, I am disappointed because he is the most vigorous Minister thus far,” he said. 

Lebitse further said they will again try to communicate with McKenzie’s office and understand why he has not responded yet. He added that, they have also written to Afri-forum for assistance too.

“Afri-forum has also not responded, but we will make follow-ups. The issue of Taung Cultural Calabash event needs a probe. There are many issues in the Greater Taung area that need thorough investigations and we will go down to the wire.

“So, we going back to the drawing board and come up with better strategy on how to approach those issues. Taung Cultural Calabash is a shadow of itself as we speak,” said Lebitse. 

One of the artists in North West, Thapelo Mokhutshoane said, in the heart of the North West province lies a growing frustration and a festering wound in the cultural and creative industries. Mokhutsoane alleged that, a staggering R4 million budget – allocated jointly by the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation and the National Department of Arts and Culture – earmarked for the historically significant Taung Cultural Calabash Festival, has slipped into obscurity.

“The funds, instead of revitalizing the creative economy and preserving one of the province’s most important cultural heritage events, now sit idle on the brink of reversion to the National Treasury.

“With no event delivered, no clear accountability, and no viable contingency plan presented, the North West arts community is calling out the glaring injustice and failed leadership that threatens not only the province’s artists, but the very cultural memory of Taung itself,” he said.

Mokhutshoane said since its inception, Taung Cultural Calabash has served as a vibrant platform showcasing the diverse tapestry of South Africa’s indigenous arts, heritage, and cultural expressions. He said Taung Cultural Calabash is more than a festival as it is a legacy event, deeply rooted in the story of Taung – a site known internationally for the discovery of the Taung Child fossil, a symbol of human origins and African pride.

“The festival has always functioned as both a cultural cornerstone and an economic driver for local communities, providing artists with visibility, economic participation, and a vital sense of cultural agency.

“Yet in 2024, when the R4 million was set aside to breathe life back into this festival after years of inconsistent support, it became yet another statistic in the ledger of mismanagement and bureaucratic inertia,” said Mokhutshoane.

He said, initially postponed from late 2024 to March 2025, the festival now sits in limbo, having failed to materialize once more. Mokhutshoane said crucially, no substantive or valid reasons have been communicated to the affected stakeholders – the artists, vendors, communities, and cultural workers who have long sustained the festival through their creativity and labour.

“Where is the leadership from the Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation, the very institution entrusted to steward this cultural institution?

“Where are the explanations from the provincial and national departments, who released these public funds? Most importantly, where is the strategic intervention from the custodians of the provincial creative sector?” he asked.

Mokhutshoane said if R4m allocation is returned to the National Treasury, the fund will join the ranks of unspent budgets that often indicate either administrative incompetence or systemic neglect. He said this is not merely about an event that failed to take place – it is about the erosion of trust, the systemic marginalization of artists in the province and a pattern of disempowerment that mirrors the broader crisis facing South Africa’s cultural sectors.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi said: “We are going to re-purpose the Taung Cultural Calabash event and we will have a consultative engagement with artists across the province and see how they benefit.”

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NDPP to interrogate failure of justice in Omotoso case

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Picture: Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso

By REGINALD KANYANE

3 April 2025- The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), advocate Shamila Batohi, has requested a report, from the Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Barry Madolo, on the judgement delivered by Judge Irma Schoeman of the Eastern Cape Local Division of the High Court sitting in Gqeberha on 2 April 2025. The judgment relates to a trial that lasted for over eight years from 2017, wherein Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso and two others, faced several charges of rape, human trafficking and sexual assault.

The Judge raised concerns about the conduct of the prosecution in her finding the trio not guilty of all the charges preferred against them.

Batohi said they will carefully study the judgment when it is made available to the parties. She said in the meantime, she has expressed her serious concerns about adverse findings made by the judge against the prosecution team, relating to the manner in which the prosecution was conducted.

“The NDPP has called for a transcript of the proceedings and will consider it in order to determine whether the criticism of the prosecution team is warranted.  Depending on the outcome of this process, the NDPP, together with the DPP in Eastern Cape, will decide on appropriate action.

“The DPP in Eastern Cape has in the meantime indicated that the team will study the judgement and decide on whether to bring an application to appeal the judgement,” said Bathohi.

She said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has demonstrated its commitment to dealing effectively with Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and sexual offences. Batohi said the NPA has a world-class special unit called the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs (SOCA) Unit, which is dedicated to dealing with sexual violence and related cases.

“The NDPP appreciates the public outrage expressed by many in response to the judgment in view of its devastating impact on the victims in this case and the fight against the scourge of GBV in the country.

“The NDPP is proud of the NPA’s track record in providing victim-centred and professional support to victims of gender-based violence, including through the national rollout of Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) that for the past eight years have provided specialised support in almost 280 000 matters (or 34,600 matters per year),” said Batohi.

She said this recent judgement represents a travesty of justice that they cannot accept. Batohi sais the NDPP awaits the report from the DPP in Eastern Cape and will consider the next steps to ensure that this tragic outcome is dealt with swiftly and appropriately, based on the facts and the legal dimensions relevant to the judgement.

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Kgetsi ya polao ya kwa Matlhako 2 e buseditswe morago 

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Setshwantsho: Banna ba le babedi b aba latofadiwang ka polao

Ka BAKANG MOKOTO

3 Moranang 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le babedi ba kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2, gaufi le Pudimoe, e buseditswe morago go fitlha 10 Moranang 2025. 

Balatofadiwa, Phemelo Maine (40) ga mmogo le Okemetse Phatlhanyane (27), ba latofadiwa ka go bolaya Boingotlo Makaota (16). Go begwa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se bonwe kwa lebitleng le le seng boteng kwa nageng kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2.

Go ya ka moagisani, one a utlwa segajaja sa lekgarebe mo bosigong jwa Labone kwa ntlung ya ga Maine. Go begwa fa moagisani o, gape a tlhalositse fa a ne a bona Maine ga mmogo le ditsala tsa gagwe ba kgorometsa kereibaye e go bontshang fa ene e pegile sengwe mo teng mo mosong wa Labotlhano.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Sepodisi se ile sa tswa letsholo, mme seo se ile sa lebisa kwa go epololweng ga setopo sa ga Makaota.

“Go begwa fa setopo seo, sene se phuthetswe ka kobo, mme moswi one a supiwa ke ba lelapa la gagwe. Dipatlisiso di shupa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se ne se na le dintho mo tlhogong, mo diropeng ga mmogo le mo maotong.”

Mokgwabone are dipatlisiso di ile tsa bolodiwa kwa lelapeng la ga Maine, mme diaparo tsa moswi di ile tsa fitlhelwa teng. Mokgwabone are, Maine o tshwerwe ka Lamatlhatso morago ga go ineele kwa sepodising.

“Monna o, o ile a isiwa kwa sepodisi ke morwa rragwe, mme one a tshwarwa. Sepodisi se ile sa botsolotsa Phatlhanyane o bonweng a tsamaya le Maine fa a ne a kgorometsa kereibaye, mme le ene o ile a lelelwa ke ditshipi,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Mokomishinara wa Sepodisi wa nama o sa tshwere mo Bokone Bophirima, Major General Patrick Asaneng, o kgadile ka bogale tiragalo e. Asaneng are polao eo ya go tlhorontshiwa ga bong e kabo e efogilwe fa baagi ba ne ba le malala-a-laotswe.

Kgabagare, Maine o ile a ipona molato mabapi le ditatofatso tsotlhe kgatlhanong le ene, mme o solofetswe go ka nguna-nguna seo le mmueledi wa puso. Phatlhanyane ene o setse a inkeme fela ka gore a neelwe beile, mme kopo ya gagwe e ka rediwa fa kgetsi e boela kgotlhatshekelo.

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Five men nabbed for extortion 

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

3 April 2025– Five accused briefly appeared in the Koster Magistrate’s Court on charges of extortion at the construction site, intimidation, malicious damage to property and kidnapping. The accused, Andrew Matane (42), Blasius Makati (49), Chapel Mahlasela (50), Thabo Frederick (50) and Lazarus Mazaleni (54), were arrested after an investigation conducted subsequent to Provincial Organised Crime receiving an extortion complaint in March 2025, a South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) contractor appointed to reconstruct the road between N4 and Koster.  

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the accused allegedly disrupted the construction and intimidated the contractor, project managers and employees, after their bids for appointment as sub-contractors did not succeed. Manyoba said they allegedly intimidated and forced construction officials to stay in a meeting, despite responding to issues they were called to clarify. 

“Additionally, the accused allegedly mobilised members of the community to disrupt and stop the project, leading to the closure of the site. In a positive response to a serious concern of extortion, a multidisciplinary team consisting of the Provincial Organised Crime, Anti-Gang Unit and Rustenburg Public Order Police (POP) arrested five suspects on 1 April 2025, in Koster. 

“During the release of the Provincial Third Quarter Crime Statistics, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, in response to the concerns of the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, and the Provincial Executive, sent out a strong message that those who commit acts of extortion and protests that often target contractors and critical infrastructure will be hunted down, arrested and be prosecuted,” she said.  

Manyoba further said this arrest is just one of many to follow. She added that the case was postponed to 7 April 2025, for a bail application and all accused remain in custody. 

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Five men nabbed for extortion 

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

3 April 2025– Five accused briefly appeared in the Koster Magistrate’s Court on charges of extortion at the construction site, intimidation, malicious damage to property and kidnapping. The accused, Andrew Matane (42), Blasius Makati (49), Chapel Mahlasela (50), Thabo Frederick (50) and Lazarus Mazaleni (54), were arrested after an investigation conducted subsequent to Provincial Organised Crime receiving an extortion complaint in March 2025, a South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) contractor appointed to reconstruct the road between N4 and Koster.  

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the accused allegedly disrupted the construction and intimidated the contractor, project managers and employees, after their bids for appointment as sub-contractors did not succeed. Manyoba said they allegedly intimidated and forced construction officials to stay in a meeting, despite responding to issues they were called to clarify. 

“Additionally, the accused allegedly mobilised members of the community to disrupt and stop the project, leading to the closure of the site. In a positive response to a serious concern of extortion, a multidisciplinary team consisting of the Provincial Organised Crime, Anti-Gang Unit and Rustenburg Public Order Police (POP) arrested five suspects on 1 April 2025, in Koster. 

“During the release of the Provincial Third Quarter Crime Statistics, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, in response to the concerns of the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, and the Provincial Executive, sent out a strong message that those who commit acts of extortion and protests that often target contractors and critical infrastructure will be hunted down, arrested and be prosecuted,” she said.  

Manyoba further said this arrest is just one of many to follow. She added that the case was postponed to 7 April 2025, for a bail application and all accused remain in custody. 

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‘A clear path towards efficiency in water and sanitation delivery’

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Picture: A resident drinking water/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE 

3 March 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said his government convened a landmark National Water and Sanitation Indaba last week, to develop a clear plan for resolving challenges in the sector. Ramaphosa said the Indaba brought together delegates representing national and local government, water boards, catchment management entities, the South African Local Government Association, scientific experts, innovators and the private sector. 

He further said the recommendations emanating from the Indaba give cause for great optimism. Ramaphosa added that a number of the suggestions and solutions are focused, evidence-based and accompanied by clear delivery timelines. 

“As the suggested solutions are implemented, we will chart a new course for the management of this most critical of resources. The Government of National Unity (GNU), has prioritised achieving a secure and reliable water supply to sustain communities and support economic growth.

“Delegates were tasked with developing a sustainable turnaround plan that harnesses the momentum of the structural reform process initiated under the sixth administration,” he said.

Ramaphosa said these include reinstating the drop water quality monitoring system, significantly improving the turnaround time for processing water use license applications, and a Raw Water Pricing Strategy. He said the establishment of a National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency is one of the most significant reforms in the sector to date. 

“The agency will be responsible for developing and managing national water infrastructure, and will mobilise financing for water infrastructure. Water infrastructure build is currently on an upward trajectory.

“The Infrastructure Fund has to date secured R23 billion for seven large water infrastructure projects including Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, the Polihali Dam, and the Ntabelanga Dam on the uMzimvubu River,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the Indaba resolved that there should be deeper collaboration between the Water Partnerships Office and the private sector to mobilise financing over the next three years. Ramaphosa said a number of innovative financing models are being explored, including Green and Blue Bonds.

“A resolution was also taken to forge more non-commercial water provision partnerships with industrial sectors. A successful model of this kind is the Olifants Management Model project in Limpopo in partnership with mining houses.

“Water delivery implementation models and processes will be subject to rigorous review. By way of example, the process for the appointment of capable Water Service Providers will be standardised, and capacity assessments will be introduced for water boards,” he said. 

Ramaphosa said a large percentage of South Africa’s purified water is being lost to leaks from municipal distribution systems. He said Water Services Authorities will have to develop mitigation programmes that include adequate budgets for maintenance, reducing leaks, closing illegal water connections and strengthening metering, billing and revenue collection.

Demand management is an imperative

“Government will roll out an extensive public awareness campaign to encourage people and businesses to use water sparingly. The crackdown on corruption and organised crime in the sector is being intensified. 

“A National Water and Sanitation Anti-Corruption Forum will be set up in collaboration with the Special Investigating Unit. A number of SIU investigations into allegations of fraud and corruption at several water boards have already been completed, and have resulted in resignations, dismissals, and criminal charges,” said Ramaphosa. 

He said in line with the resolutions taken at the Indaba, Water Service Authorities have to develop water infrastructure security plans to combat vandalism and theft of infrastructure within six months. Ramaphosa said the Indaba also resolved that communities should be more actively involved in the protection of our country’s water infrastructure. Ramaphosa said one of the promising proposals that will be considered is setting up water committees in communities. 

“The overwhelming consensus at the Water and Sanitation Indaba was that all efforts need to be made to support municipal authorities to fulfil their service delivery mandate. 

“Minimum competency regulations for water service providers will be developed, and municipalities will have to urgently fill key technical positions,” he said. 

Ramaphosa said it was further resolved that mechanisms should be urgently developed to capacitate municipalities to utilise their Municipal Infrastructure Grant and Urban Settlements Development Grant for infrastructure upkeep. He said the resolutions taken by the Water and Sanitation Indaba, once successfully implemented, will help us turn the tide in our ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and build a capable, ethical, developmental state. 

As the old adage goes, water is life

“A well-functioning, efficient water and sanitation sector isn’t just a constitutional imperative and a driver of development. It also instils business and investor confidence that in turn spurs economic growth and job creation. 

“Working together as all spheres of government, business, communities and civil society, it is within our means to give effect to the constitutional right to access clean water and sufficient sanitation, and to achieve the water security our country needs,” said Ramaphosa.

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‘The rights of children need to be respected’ 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

3 April 2025- The Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) said, the government, through her department, takes great pride in co-hosting the landmark gathering, the 2nd Biennial Africa Children’s Summit in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund). 

Tolashe expressed her gratitude to the CEO, the board and management of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, for successfully bringing the 2nd Biennial Africa Children’s Summit to South Africa. She said this is part of a series of activities for the Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20), which will culminate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November 2025. 

“As you are aware, we are presiding over G20 as South Africa for the first time. As such, we seek to use its G20 Presidency to bring the developmental priorities of the African Continent and the Global.  

“As social sector cluster, we thought there is no better way to do this and to honour Madiba’s life and legacy than to amplify the collective voice of Africa’s children under the theme: Seen, Heard and Engaged in Education,” she said.

Tolashe further said on an occasion such as this, the words of the first President of the democratic South Africa, President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, at the launch of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, profoundly resonates with them today as they prepare to host the Africa Children’s Summit. She added that, on that occasion, Mandela said: “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” 

“It is worth mentioning that it was during the Presidency of Mandela that the South African government ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (commonly known as the CRC), the first legally binding international convention to confirm the human rights of all children across the globe.  

“The CRC is a human rights convention that sets out the civil, political, economic, social, health and cultural rights of children. It was the first international convention that the newly-elected democratic government ratified on the 16th June 1996,” said Tolashe.

She said five years later on 7 January 2000, South Africa ratified the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC), a broad regional instrument that sets out rights for children in Africa, commonly known as the African Children’s Charter. Tolashe said since ratifying both the CRC and the African Children’s Charter, and guided by the Constitution, especially Section 28 of the Bill of Rights, South Africa has focused on realising children’s rights and fulfilling our obligations.

“Central to both the CRC and the African Children’s Charter is the principle that governments must always act in the best interests of the child and that every child has the fundamental right to life, survival and development.

“They have the right to protection from violence, abuse or neglect, an education that enables children to fulfil their potential, be raised by, or have a relationship with, both parents, even if they are separated,” she said. 

Tolashe said children should be allowed to express their opinions and be listened to, have their privacy protected and their lives not subject to excessive interference. She said the main objectives of the Summit are to promote child-centred dialogue and advocacy, empower children as agents of change, ensure inclusive and equitable participation and provide evidence-based policy recommendations. 

“This includes strengthening collaboration across sectors and regions on the continent, reviewing and advancing progress and raising awareness and mobilising for national and regional action.

“Child participation is a fundamental right of children through which their other rights can be realised. The obligations on society through the state to protect, respect and promote the right of children to participate in decisions that affect them are espoused by both the CRC and the African Children’s Charter,” said Tolashe. 

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