Tag Archives: The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president

Ramaphosa commend all the parties who campaigned responsibly

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By STAFF REPORTER

13 November 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said all South Africans should be proud that 2026 Local Government Elections (LGEs), a crucial pillar of their democratic constitutional order, was free, fair and peaceful. Ramaphosa said last Wednesday, more than 15 million South Africans cast their ballots across the country.

He further said some were seasoned voters who have not missed an election since 1994, while others were young people marking a ballot for the first time. Ramaphosa added that they came from cities, towns and villages, from every community and walk of life.

“Whatever their differences, they shared the belief that their participation matters. We congratulate the IEC for exercising its mandate with the utmost professionalism and care. We are also grateful to the police, the defence force and other government officials for ensuring that voting proceeded smoothly and securely.

“We commend all the parties and candidates who campaigned responsibly. The improved voter turnout and the large number of parties and candidates show that our democracy is active and vibrant. With more than 540 parties and close to 137 000 candidates standing, voters had a greater choice than at any time since 1994,” he said.

Ramaphosa said their democracy continues to evolve and to open new avenues for civic participation. He said this year marks three decades since the constitution was signed into law, establishing South Africa as a multi-party democracy in which every adult has an equal vote and those in power must regularly return to the people for a fresh mandate.

“At a time when democracy is being tested in a number of countries, last week’s poll shows that these foundations remain sound. In democracies across the world, we are seeing political choices being shaped by the ‘bread-and-butter’ issues that matter most to voters.

“South African voters are no different. They want work and economic opportunity. They want reliable and affordable supplies of water and electricity, well-maintained public spaces and neighbourhoods where they feel safe,” said Ramaphosa.

He said they want municipalities that are well run and local finances that are soundly managed. Ramaphosa said through this election, the South African people are demanding that those entrusted with public service fulfil their responsibilities.

“Those who have been elected to councils now need to prove themselves worthy of the trust placed in them by the South African people. Work must now begin in earnest. As they attend to the immediate needs of residents, the incoming councillors will have an important role in reshaping the system of local government, guided by the recommendations of the revised White Paper on Local Government.

“The White Paper sets out measures to put municipal finances on a sounder footing, to direct more money to maintaining infrastructure and to ensure that services reach residents reliably. Winning the confidence of the electorate at the ballot box must never be taken for granted. Political parties must cooperate in good faith to reach agreement on the election of office-bearers so that councils can be constituted and they can get to work,” he said.

Ramaphosa said in the interests of effective, accountable local government, those who have been elected must work to find common ground from the very outset, regardless of their political differences. He said they need to make local government an engine room of service delivery, a driver of development and a creator of opportunity.

“This calls for councillors who put the needs of communities ahead of any other interests, who listen and respond to residents and who carry out their duties with humility. It is up to all of us to ensure that democracy delivers for every South African and that local government works better for all,” concluded Ramaphosa.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

‘By voting on Wednesday, we can make South Africa better’

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By OBAKENG MAJE

2 November 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said on 4 November 2026, the country will be holding local government elections. Ramaphosa said this is one of the biggest electoral contests in the country’s democratic history, with 546 parties and nearly 137 000 candidates.

He further said at a time when the political space is narrowing across many parts of the world, democracy in South Africa continues to evolve and mature. Ramaphosa added that they can see this, for example, in the strong participation of women in the electoral process and the proliferation of independent candidates.

“We can be proud that every election since 1994 has been free and fair and that public trust in the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) remains high. As a nation, we must come together to ensure that the upcoming poll is not marred by acts of violence or intimidation.

“Over the past few months, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has been conducting risk assessments, operational planning and simulation exercises. It says that it is ready to ensure voting day takes place peacefully and safely. I call on all registered voters to go out to the polling stations on Wednesday because local government is essential to improving the quality of life of citizens,” he said.

Ramaphosa said municipalities are responsible for providing most of the services that people need and to which they are entitled by the constitution. He said the water, sanitation, electricity and other basic services that municipalities provide are important not only for communities.

“They are the foundations of a thriving economy. Businesses invest in areas where services are reliable and affordable, where infrastructure is maintained and which are stable and safe. The candidates elected to lead the eight metros, 44 district municipalities and 205 local municipalities will assume office at a time when we are undertaking a bold reset of the entire local government system.

“The new White Paper on Local Government, which was officially launched last month, aims to strengthen the ability of municipalities to fulfil their responsibilities. It proposes a series of reforms across the board to improve efficiency and ensure there is accountability when failures occur,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the priority is placing municipalities on a more sustainable financial footing through stronger financial management, better revenue collection, reducing losses and tighter spending on priorities. Ramaphosa said one of the most important developments is that revenues from the sale of electricity and water will be ring-fenced to be reinvested in maintaining critical infrastructure.

“This will ensure that our infrastructure is brought back up to standard. A compulsory licensing requirement will also be introduced for all water and electricity providers. This means that all service providers will need to meet minimum standards of competence.

“Where municipalities are unable to carry out a particular responsibility, this responsibility should be assigned to another sphere or entity that can perform it. The White Paper recommends changes to professionalise municipalities and build their administrative capacity. Local government structures must be led and staffed by people appointed for their qualifications and competence,” he said.

Ramaphosa said those responsible must be held to account, if public resources are stolen, procurement is manipulated or public duties are neglected. He said the shortcomings evident in the current design of the local government system have created space for corruption and patronage.

“We have seen corrupt local government officials’ scheme with business people to obtain tenders for services that are sub-standard or not delivered at all. Contestations over power and access to resources in local government have contributed to acts of violence, including disruptions of council meetings and the killings of ward candidates, councillors and municipal officials.

“Sadly, what is supposed to be a democratic contest for the opportunity to serve communities has in some cases become a transactional arrangement. Some councillors who are bought by business people often put matters of procurement above the needs of our people,” said Ramaphosa.

He said as a government, they are working to put a stop to these practices, but citizens carry an equally important responsibility to ensure that the people they elect are the right ones for the job. Ramaphosa said municipal failures have contributed to declining public trust and confidence in democratic governance.

“This election is an opportunity to turn this around and to build local government as an instrument for development. The voters of South Africa have an unprecedented breadth of choice of candidates and parties. However, we vote on Wednesday, let us strive for better, safer, cleaner and more prosperous communities. Let us vote for progress and development.

“Working together, as an active citizenry, we can make South Africa better. Through our votes, we can help ensure that the local government is able to fulfil the promise that our Constitution has made to our people,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Four-point plan to aid the GBVF fight

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 September 2026 – In a bid to ensure that cases involving violence against women and children are not stalled, the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa announced a four-point recovery plan to ensure that cases are processed and that perpetrators are brought to book. Addressing the nation on Tuesday evening, Ramaphosa announced that he has directed the acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia and Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi to undertake a national case-recovery operation focused on unresolved murders, attempted murders, rapes and serious sexual offences involving women and children.

He further said individual recovery plans must be in place for priority cases as well as cases that have stalled. Ramaphosa added that within 60 days, this audit must identify the number and age of unresolved cases, cases awaiting forensic evidence, cases in which suspects have been identified but not arrested and cases in which investigative or prosecutorial action has been unreasonably delayed.

“Each plan must identify the outstanding action, the responsible official and the deadline for moving the case forward. I have also directed Cachalia, the acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, and the relevant forensic authorities to present, within 60 days, a funded plan to reduce forensic backlogs and establish clear turnaround standards for priority Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) cases.

“The plan must set out the size and age of the backlog, shortages of personnel and equipment, the resources required and the dates by which the backlog will be reduced,” he said.

Ramaphosa said priority forensic samples in cases involving the rape or murder of women and children must be ring-fenced for urgent processing. He said progress against the turnaround standards must be reported publicly every quarter.

“Every municipality must begin a women’s safety audit without delay. High-risk areas must be identified working with provincial governments and the police. Within 60 days, these audits must identify broken streetlights, overgrown public spaces, abandoned buildings, unsafe transport routes and facilities, poorly secured parks and other conditions that place women at risk.

“Within 90 days of completing the audit, the most urgent hazards must have been addressed or included in a funded implementation plan with clear completion dates,” said Ramaphosa.

He has also directed the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, working with the Ministers of Health, Social Development, Police and Cooperative Governance, to submit to Cabinet within 60 days a coordinated legislative and enforcement package to reduce alcohol-related violence. Ramaphosa said alcohol does not cause Gender-Based Violence [GBV] and it can never excuse it.

“Responsibility always lies with the perpetrator. But harmful alcohol use is a significant aggravating factor in interpersonal violence, and it must be addressed as part of our wider prevention effort.

“Women should not have to live in fear because the government has failed to repair a light, clear a public space, process evidence or enforce a law. Every sphere of government must understand that the safety of women is part of its responsibility,” he said.

Ramaphosa said every sphere of government must understand that the safety of women is part of its responsibility. In addition, he said the Inter-Ministerial Committee and the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide will monitor these measures and issue consolidated public progress reports every quarter.

“The first consolidated report must be issued within 90 days, with public progress reports every quarter thereafter. The directives are not just a statement of good intentions. These establish responsibilities, deadlines and a duty to submit reports on a regular basis to the nation.

“The directives support the accelerated implementation of key pillars of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which continues to guide the work underway across all spheres of government and all parts of society,” said Ramaphosa.

He said they must prevent the violence before it starts because programmes, stronger laws, additional resources and more police officers will not, on their own, end violence against women. Ramaphosa said attitudes that women are inferior and the belief that a man has the right to control a woman, among others, are not helpful.

“It begins when a man refuses to accept the word no. We must confront the uncomfortable, devastating truth that the primary GBV hotspot is in the home and in interpersonal relationships. This as a national study by the South African Medical Research Council found that more than 60% of the women murdered in 2021 and 2022 were killed by an intimate partner.

“The prevention of violence against women must begin at home.

“It must begin with how we raise our sons, with what boys learn about girls, anger, rejection and consent, and with what they learn from watching the men around them,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the country has placed the burden of male violence on women. He said for too long, Gender-Based Violence has been treated as a women’s problem to solve.

“That must change and the freedom promised by the Constitution cannot be a freedom enjoyed fully by men and cautiously by women. It is time for good men to stop being silent men. We salute the many South African men who are already speaking out, including prominent figures such as Siya Kolisi and Temba Bavuma, who have used their public platforms to urge men to confront violence against women and to become better men.

“I have directed the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture to strengthen the work of the Moral Regeneration Movement and to ensure that it contributes meaningfully to changing the attitudes, social norms and practices that enable violence against women,” said Ramaphosa.

He also acknowledged the work of faith-based organisations, community organisations, women’s and youth formations, educational institutions, traditional leaders and many other structures that confront gender-based violence every day.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

‘Building a police service that keeps our people safe’

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By BAKANG MOKOTO  

8 September 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday, they held the South African Police Service National Commemoration Day, as they do every year, where they honour the police officers, who were killed in the line of duty in the past year. Ramaphosa said over the twelve months to March this year, twelve police officers lost their lives in the line of duty.

He further said although this is half as many deaths as the year before, even one death of a SAPS member is one too many. Ramaphosa added that each of these officers was a colleague, a friend and a member of a family.

“Their deaths remind us of the risks that thousands of police officers take every day so that the rest of us may be safer. We honour the bravery of these officers who put their lives on the line in the service of their country.

“As we consider the challenges facing our police today, it is worth remembering just how far we have come. For most people, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is the first they turn to when their safety is threatened, when there is an emergency or when they need to report a crime,” he said.

Ramaphosa said when the people call the police, often at a moment of great distress or danger, they expect that someone will answer. He said they expect that help will come.

“They expect that the law will protect them. This is an expectation that every South African has, regardless of where they live. The Constitution makes the SAPS responsible for law enforcement. Although the private security industry provides some complementary services, the responsibility for keeping the public safe ultimately rests with the state.

“Private security may protect those who can afford it, but public safety must be available to all. The SAPS remains at the fore of the work to keep our country safe. Beyond visible policing on our streets and in our communities, the SAPS conducts operations critical to our economy. This includes combating illegal mining through Operation Vala Umgodi and operations to dismantle syndicates involved in cable theft and infrastructure vandalism, smuggling and counterfeiting, human trafficking and other priority crimes,” said Ramaphosa. 

He said much of this work happens away from public view. Ramaphosa said every day, police officers investigate crimes, track down suspects, gather evidence, patrol the communities and confront dangerous criminals.

“Our men and women in uniform do so at a great cost to their personal safety. We often take for granted just how far we have come when it comes to the transformation of law enforcement in this country. The old South African Police was about control and brute force.

“It was dedicated to maintaining the apartheid order while suppressing any resistance or protest. For millions of South Africans, the police were not people to whom they could turn for protection. They were instruments of an oppressive state,” said Ramaphosa.

Following the democratic breakthrough, Ramaphosa said they began the hard task of building a new police service that was aligned with constitutional values and human rights and that was accountable to the people it is mandated to serve. He said this required much more than changing the name of the police force.

“It required changing the very purpose of policing. We had to build a police service that no longer existed to protect the state from the people, but to protect the people and uphold their rights. Today, the work of the SAPS is subject to the oversight of a parliamentary portfolio committee, and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate was established to look into allegations of police misconduct.

“This accountability is an essential feature of democratic policing. Those who are entrusted with enforcing the law must themselves be subject to the law,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the re-orientation of the SAPS to service and accountability has been thrown into sharp relief as a number of apartheid-era crimes are under scrutiny, including Steve Biko’s death in police custody in 1977 and the case of the Cradock Four, who were murdered in 1985. Ramaphosa said despite being offered amnesty by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in return for full disclosure, a number of apartheid-era police chose dishonesty and misrepresentation of the facts surrounding the deaths of the people they killed. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Partnership with business sharpens its focus on faster inclusive growth

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 August 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said last week, they launched the third phase of the partnership between government and business to drive faster inclusive economic growth and create jobs. Ramaphosa said this partnership is but one example of the collaborative initiatives that the government has with social partners such as labour, business and civil society.

He further said over the last few years, they have forged partnerships across society to tackle a number of economic and social challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) to reviving and building key industries. Ramaphosa added that when they established the government-business partnership in 2023, the country faced severe crises that threatened economic progress.

“Load shedding, freight logistics constraints and persistent security challenges weighed heavily on businesses, workers and households alike. We recognised that while the state must set policy, regulate and deliver public goods, the expertise and resources of the private sector are critical if we are to build a resilient economy.

“Together, we resolved to address our nation’s most binding economic constraints. While the first two phases of the partnership were about stabilisation and structural reform, the third phase focuses on areas of the economy that can stimulate greater growth and job creation,” he said.

Ramaphosa said when they started, their immediate objective was to respond to the crises in electricity and logistics. He said they brought on board private sector capabilities through the National Energy Crisis Committee and undertook joint efforts in freight transport to halt the decline in these critical network industries.

“We mobilised support from business for the structural reforms that the government had embarked on and drew on its resources to build institutional capacity in the state. This work, together with the efforts of the relevant government departments and public entities, has helped us to achieve more than 400 days without load shedding.

“This has been possible thanks to a remarkable turnaround in generation led by Eskom, a rapid expansion in private generation capacity and significant progress toward a competitive electricity market. Operational performance at key ports has been strengthened through strategic partnerships and freight rail corridors have now been opened to private operators,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the partnership has also contributed to South Africa’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list, prompting credit rating agencies to upgrade their outlooks and ratings for the country. Ramaphosa said these are real outcomes that demonstrate that social partnerships are more than meetings and presentations.

“They are practical, delivery-focused mechanisms that achieve measurable results. While the work done to date has laid a firm foundation, our growth rate remains too low to absorb the millions of South Africans seeking work.

“With around 8.5 million unemployed citizens by the official rate and roughly 300,000 net new work-seekers entering the labour force each year, we must accelerate our pace. The third phase of the partnership sets a clear target of lifting South Africa’s GDP growth above 3% a year and contributing toward the creation of one million new jobs by 2030,” he said. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

‘The just energy transition is gathering pace and creating opportunity’

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

4 August 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said the Mpumalanga Highveld, between the towns of Bethal, Davel and Morgenzon, are powerful symbols of South Africa’s energy future. Ramaphosa said wind turbines rise above a landscape that was once dominated by the cooling towers of coal-fired power stations.

He further said the wind turbines form part of the first phase of the Ummbila Emoyeni wind farm that entered into commercial operation last week. Ramaphosa added that the facility has been built by Seriti Green, a subsidiary of Seriti Resources, a South African company.

“This is a demonstration that South Africa’s clean energy investments are not only being driven from abroad, but also by domestic firms with the foresight to invest in their country’s future. The 155 MW of clean energy generated by the 25 wind turbines will be wheeled through Eskom’s transmission network to supply Seriti’s coal mining operations.

“Once completed, this 900 MW hybrid energy cluster will comprise wind, solar and battery storage. Once fully operational, it will be the largest hybrid energy facility in the country. The Ummbila Emoyeni project is an important contribution to South Africa’s evolving energy mix,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the 2025 Integrated Resource Plan aims to achieve a diversified portfolio of energy sources that relies more on wind and solar and a reduced share of coal, supported by gas, battery storage and nuclear power. He said since the late 1800s, the coalfields of Mpumalanga have helped industrialise our country.

“Coal miners, artisans and power station workers in Mpumalanga have produced the electricity to power our mines, factories, businesses, hospitals, schools and homes. It is therefore significant that it is on the Mpumalanga highveld where some of the energy systems of tomorrow are being built, while drawing on the strengths and resources we already possess, including coal-fired power.

“Even though coal continues to dominate South Africa’s energy mix, the growth of renewable energy is accelerating. According to Statistics SA, in 2016 renewable energy supplied just 2% of locally generated electricity. By 2021 that number had risen to 6% and by 2024 renewables accounted for 9% of local electricity generation,” said ramaphosa.

He said the country now has close to 16 GW of installed renewable capacity, with 32 GW of projects now in the grid connection process and expected to connect by 2030. Ramaphosa said the installation of rooftop solar by households and businesses has exceeded expectations.

“According to Statistics SA, there has been an 86% increase in households with solar panels over just a three-year period, totalling 675,000 households in 2025. The investment in clean energy technologies, which was accelerated by load shedding in recent years, was enabled by far-reaching legislative and regulatory reforms.

“The removal of the self-generation licensing threshold and the revival of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme unlocked large-scale private investment in electricity generation. Attracting clean energy investment supports our climate commitments while promoting inclusive growth and job creation,” he said.

Ramaphosa said at this year’s South Africa Investment Conference more than R50 billion in green energy investment commitments were announced. He said they also released South Africa’s first Energy Infrastructure Investment Prospectus, a coordinated pipeline of investment-ready projects across the electricity value chain.

“Secure, reliable and affordable energy is critical to growing industry, developing our economy and improving the lives of citizens. The just energy transition is not only about protecting affected communities, workers and businesses from the impact of the shift towards renewable energy. ‘Going green’ must also make electricity cheaper for consumers.

“That is why we are working to establish a competitive electricity market in which several operators will compete to provide electricity most efficiently and at the lowest cost. Last week, the Cabinet approved the publication of the Revised Electricity Pricing Policy and the draft Electricity Sector Market Transformation Position Paper for public comment,” said Ramaphosa.

He said, also in the past week, he received a progress report from the task team working towards the establishment of a fully independent state-owned entity responsible for transmission and the operation of the electricity market. Ramaphosa said the opening of the Ummbila Emoyeni facility in Mpumalanga and the clean energy revolution underway bear witness to a country that, even when confronted with an energy crisis, adapted, reformed and laid the groundwork for a new future.

“It is now incumbent on the government, working with business, labour and civil society, to ensure that South Africa’s energy transition delivers for all.

It must be a transition that is inclusive, that expands opportunity and that leaves communities stronger than before. Most importantly, it must deliver affordable electricity for all, now and into the future,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Ramaphosa’s action plan to end water crisis  

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 July 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said last week, he spoke about their commitment to give effect to the constitutional right of access to water for all South Africans, with particular reference to communities that have remained underserved. Ramaphosa said this past week, they released the National Water Action Plan, which sets out his government’s determination to ensure that every community in the country has access to a reliable supply of quality drinking water, no matter where they live.

He further said for too many South Africans, turning on a tap has become an act of uncertainty. Ramaphosa added that in too many cities, towns and rural areas, water disruptions have become a fact of life.

“Families cannot cook or clean. Children cannot wash. Shops and businesses have to close. We are determined to change that. The National Water Action Plan sets out a clear, focused programme of immediate interventions and far-reaching reforms to address the root causes of water supply failures in many municipalities.

“Our main priority lies in implementation, clear responsibilities and accountability. The National Water Crisis Committee, known as WATERCOM, will meet regularly to oversee implementation, track progress and hold the responsible departments and public entities accountable for delivery,” he said.

Ramaphosa further said just a few years ago, they faced a similar national crisis in electricity. He added that by acting boldly to implement reforms, improve Eskom’s performance and enable massive investment in new generation capacity, they brought an end to load shedding.

“We are now applying that same approach to water. South Africa is a water-scarce country. We must continue to invest in dams, pipelines, treatment works and other bulk water infrastructure to secure our long-term water supply. The immediate challenge, however, is not mainly a shortage of rain or a lack of dams.

“The problem is that municipal water systems are not being properly managed, maintained and financed. In too many municipalities, revenue collected from the sale of water is used to fund other municipal functions. This leaves too little money to repair pipes, replace pumps or employ qualified engineers and technicians,” said Ramaphosa.

He said as a result, on average across the country, close to half of all the water pumped never reaches paying customers. Ramaphosa said it leaks out of broken pipes, is stolen or is simply never billed for.

“That is water that has been treated at great cost and then lost, along with the revenue that should have paid for maintenance. We cannot build our way out of the crisis if we do not properly maintain and manage the infrastructure we already have.

“The National Water Action Plan will address the root cause of this crisis by changing the way that water services are delivered. The Water Services Amendment Bill currently before Parliament will establish a clearer separation between the municipality’s role as the authority responsible for water and the role of the operator that actually delivers it, so that both can be held to account,” he said.

Ramaphosa said water service providers will be required to obtain operating licences based on their technical, managerial and financial capability. He said municipalities will only be able to appoint providers that meet the required standards and can demonstrate that they are capable of delivering reliable water and sanitation services.

“Where a municipality is failing, unwilling or unable to provide an acceptable service, government will intervene in accordance with the Constitution and the law to provide the required services to our people. Where necessary, another capable water utility will be appointed to run the service in the municipality’s place.

“The plan will also reform the way municipal water services are financed. Through the Metropolitan Trading Services Reform Programme, the country’s eight metropolitan municipalities are being supported and incentivised to ring-fence their water revenue. This means that money collected for water and sanitation must remain within the water utility and be reinvested in infrastructure, maintenance and improved operations,” said Ramaphosa.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

President Cyril Ramaphosa accedes to investigating director’s resignation

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Former IDAC Head, Advocate Andrea Johnson

By REGINALD KANYANE

27 Jul 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has in terms of Section 12(8)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act of 1998 accepted the request by Advocate Andrea Johnson, the Investigating Director of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), to vacate office with immediate effect. Ramaphosa’s agreement follows a recommendation by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi and supported by National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDDP), Advocate Andy Mothibi, that Johnson’s request be granted.

Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said Johnson directed her request for an immediate release from office to the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDDP) and Ramaphosa. Magwenya said Ramaphosa thanked Johnson for her years of service in the NPA and as the head of IDAC.

“The President assures the leadership and staff of the NPA of the government’s unwavering support for its work in the fight against crime and corruption,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Building on Madiba’s legacy by expanding access to water

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By OBAKENG MAJE

20 July 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said this past weekend, they celebrated the birthday of the nation’s founding father, President Nelson Mandela. Ramaphosa said celebrating Madiba’s birthday through good works is significant because it turns their remembrance of this global icon into action.

He further said it reflects the belief that the most meaningful way to honour him is not merely to praise what he achieved, but to continue the work to which he devoted his life. Ramaphosa added that for Madiba, the freedom he fought for was not merely the right to vote.

“It was the freedom to live with dignity, to live in decent conditions and to enjoy the basic necessities of life. In honour of Madiba’s legacy, we are responding to the need to expand access to safe and reliable water to underserved communities across South Africa. We launched the National Water Access Acceleration Programme through the decentralised water supply schemes.

“This is part of one of the priorities identified in this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), to address the water crisis that is causing immense hardship for households, communities and businesses across the country. The programme was launched in Hammanskraal in Gauteng, a community that has had longstanding challenges with water access, and where lives were tragically lost three years ago due to a cholera outbreak,” he said.

Ramaphosa said as part of the programme, boreholes were handed over to the Hammanskraal community, and the Klipdrift Package Water Treatment Plant was officially commissioned. Similar interventions were rolled out in other parts of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. He said these include borehole drilling and groundwater development, rainwater harvesting and rehabilitating existing water supply schemes.

“The programme is intended to shorten the time between identifying a community’s need and delivering a working water supply. It will use solutions suited to local conditions rather than waiting in every instance for large, complex infrastructure projects. Expanding water access has been one of the most important achievements of our democracy.

“According to the 2022 Census, over 82% of households in the country had access to piped water either inside their dwelling or inside their yard. The proportion of households with no access to piped water more than halved between 1996 and 2022. We must acknowledge that in too many municipalities, the government has not succeeded to maintain infrastructure, to manage water services properly and to respond with sufficient urgency,” said Ramaphosa.

He said parts of the country are experiencing worsening water shortages and deteriorating water quality. Ramaphosa said in some places, ageing water infrastructure has collapsed.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Ramaphosa grants extension of Madlanga Commission report deadline

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By REGINALD KANYANE

9 Jul 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the final report deadline of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system. The commission will submit its report on 16 November 2026, instead of 31 August, as anticipated originally.

Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said the extension granted by the president sets an evidence deadline of 2 October 2026, and a reporting deadline of 16 November 2026, to enable the commission to close off topics it has opened up in the course of hearings to date. Mangwenya said the extension allows the commission to hear evidence on all of the matters listed in its terms of reference.

“Without an extension, the commission will have to leave large parts of its work unfinished. Ramaphosa once again expresses his deepest appreciation for the work conducted by commission, as well as for the manner in which law enforcement agencies are following up testimony emerging from commission hearings,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com