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

The public service and the people need to work together

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Picture: The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By REGINALD KANYANE

15 September 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said once a year in September, South Africa marks Public Service Month, a time to focus on the essential contribution that the country’s 1.7 million public servants make to meeting the needs of the people. Ramaphosa said it is through public servants that the government provides healthcare, education, policing, social services and countless other essential functions that touch every South African’s life.

He further said when their public service operates at its best, it is a powerful instrument for social and economic development. Ramaphosa added that when it falters, it is often their most vulnerable citizens who bear the brunt.

“There are many dedicated public servants who work tirelessly in service of our nation. We thank them for the work they do to improve the lives of South Africans. But our public service faces significant challenges. These include skills gaps, outdated systems and processes, inconsistent service delivery and corruption.

“In many parts of the state, the values of Batho Pele – putting people first – have been eroded. That is why we are strengthening the professional foundations of our public service. Through the reforms underway we are working to attract the right skills, implement rigorous performance management and create career pathways that reward merit and excellence,” he said.

Ramaphosa said through the National School of Government we are investing in training and development. He said as they work to build a more professional, accountable and capable public service, they need to bring the public service closer to the people they serve.

“We must challenge the idea that public servants are providers and citizens are mere beneficiaries of goods and services. The National Dialogue, which was launched in August, provides an opportunity to change the relationship between public servants and the public.

“Over the next few months, South Africans will be meeting as communities across the country. They will be discussing the issues that most concern them and will together be forging a vision to take the country forward. These conversations will culminate in a National Convention next year, which will finalise a social compact that outlines clear actions and responsibilities for all sectors of society,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the thousands of public dialogues taking place across the country will also provide an opportunity for communities to address the immediate challenges that they face where they live. Ramaphosa said these challenges may include anything from electricity cuts to overcrowded schools, a lack of water provision to poorly maintained roads, or an increase in violent crime or drug use.

“Through the National Dialogue process, each community is encouraged to work with all relevant stakeholders – ward councillors, municipal officials, civic bodies, community organisations and provincial and national departments – on a common plan to address these challenges.

“By working together in an integrated way, drawing together resources from within and outside the state, these stakeholders can find ways to solve local problems. Public servants have a vital role to play in working towards solutions alongside and in cooperation with communities,” he said.

Ramaphosa said this approach is closely aligned with the District Development Model (DDM), which is about bringing government closer to the people and ensuring that local needs inform service delivery priorities. He said it is about building a public service that listens to citizens, adapts to their needs and continuously improves its services.

“Such a public service requires the active participation of citizens as partners in development, growth and transformation. I call on every South African to hold the government accountable, to engage constructively with public institutions and to recognise the vital role that a professional public service plays in building the society we all want.

“Together, we can build a public service that serves with excellence and integrity and works with South Africans to realise the promise of a better life for all,” said Ramaphosa.

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‘We must build a society in which corruption cannot take root’

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By OBAKENG MAJE  

8 September 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said just over a week ago, the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) handed over its final report at the conclusion of its three-year term. Ramaphosa said the council was set up in 2022 to guide the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and to strengthen the state’s anti-corruption architecture.

He further said the report includes a recommendation to establish a permanent, independent, overarching anti-corruption body. Ramaphosa added that the council recommends that this body be known as the Office of Public Integrity and Anti-Corruption and that its mandate be to prevent, investigate and remedy systemic corruption.

“The proposed body, which responds to one of the key recommendations of the State Capture Commission, would be expected to both fight corruption and prevent it from happening in the first place. The NACAC report also makes recommendations on the strengthening and coordination of law enforcement agencies, enhanced coordination mechanisms among the different law enforcement agencies, the use of Artificial Intelligence to prevent corruption and the establishment of an anti-corruption data sharing framework.

“These recommendations will be thoroughly reviewed by the relevant government institutions for tabling and deliberation in Cabinet. The work of NACAC makes it clear that the fight against corruption is complex, multi-faceted and protracted. This fight requires the dismantling systems of patronage that have become entrenched over many years. It requires strengthening state capacity to handle complex cases and closing regulatory loopholes that have enabled corruption to flourish,” said Ramaphosa.

He said they need to tackle public and private sector corruption with equal energy. Ramaphosa said tax evasion, market manipulation, inflated contracts and tender collusion by businesses significantly harm the economy, yet often receive less attention than corruption in public institutions.

“Amid daily reports of alleged corruption, South Africans want to see action. They want to see more arrests and convictions. We should therefore welcome the progress being made by our law enforcement agencies. Last week the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, and the Special Investigating Unit briefed Parliament on investigations into the South African Post Office, Postbank and the South African Social Security Agency, financial irregularities at water entities, an allegedly corrupt fuel tender, and graft at a number of municipalities.

“This year has seen a number of arrests linked to alleged corruption in Eskom, the South African Police Service, Transnet and in municipalities. While allegations of corruption within these important institutions are deeply disturbing, it is encouraging that they have been detected and that criminal action is being taken,” he said.

Ramaphosa said in July 2025, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Working Group on Bribery noted that South Africa continues to make progress in detecting and investigating foreign bribery cases, and that “the resilience and commitment of individual government and law-enforcement officials, working in a multi-agency approach, has contributed to this progress”.  He said they continue to make progress towards the removal of the country from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey-list.

“In June, FATF noted that South Africa has completed all 22 action plan items to combat money-laundering and the financing of terrorism. Exiting the grey-list is part of the fight against corruption and key to safeguarding the integrity of our financial system.

“Much of this work takes place behind the scenes. While there is a justifiable public expectation that there should be more convictions – including those implicated in state capture – fighting corruption extends way beyond putting culprits in the dock,” said Ramaphosa.

He said as the NACAC report points out, they need to pursue institutional reform to address the shortcomings in practices and systems that have enabled corruption to flourish. Ramaphosa said corruption is much more than the result of the criminal intent of a few individuals, be it government officials, elected public representatives or business people.

“It can become embedded in state institutions or business enterprises and manifest itself in practices and organisational culture. The success of our efforts relies on our ability to prevent corruption in the first place in state institutions, business enterprises or organs of civil society.

“That is why we need to build transparent, accountable and ethical institutions – both public and private – in which corruption is unable to take root. We all need to work together to build a society characterised by responsibility and integrity,” he said.

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A foreign policy that always faces forward

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By REGINALD KANYANE  

25 August 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said last week, the country participated in the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Japan. Ramaphosa said this is an important forum for strengthening bilateral trade and investment between Japan and African countries.

He further said Japan is an important trading partner for South Africa in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, technology and agriculture. Ramaphosa added that at the business forum held on the sidelines of TICAD9 business representatives from South Africa and Japan discussed potential areas of collaboration in clean and renewable energy, automotive components and hydrogen production.

“One of the promising discussions was around the continental expansion plans by the Japanese automaker Isuzu Motors. Isuzu’s South African plant has trialled the manufacture of commercial trucks and truck bodies locally, and is engaging with Isuzu Motors Japan on its plans to become a manufacturing hub for the African market.

“At a time of global trade disruptions and mounting tariff pressures, participating in forums like TICAD is key to our economic diplomacy efforts. Economic diplomacy is an important part of our country’s foreign policy, and has become all the more critical at a time of economic headwinds and global power shifts,” he said.

Ramaphosa said South Africa’s National Interest Framework Policy Document, published in 2022, is clear that it is in the country’s national interest to forge strategic alliances that support economic partnerships and trading arrangements that favour, advance and safeguard our national interest. He said in the spirit of Kwame Nkrumah’s famous words “We face neither East nor West, we face forward”, South Africa will continue to engage with partners in both the Global North and Global South.

“Our approach is neither partisan nor beholden, but strategic.

Our economic diplomacy is centred on securing market access, attracting investment and promoting sustainable development.  At a time when our country faces potentially high tariffs imposed by the US administration, we are continuing to put in place measures that reduce our dependence on historical markets.

“South Africa continues to advocate for an international trade regime that is fair, equitable and rules-based. We are seeking a trade regime that does not render developing economies vulnerable to unilateral measures or protectionist pressures,” said Ramaphosa.

He said likewise, their foreign policy is anchored in multilateralism, respect for sovereignty and the pursuit of alliances that advance peace, justice and our national interest. Ramaphosa said South Africa’s foreign policy outlook is not determined by pressure exerted by outside forces, but by principle.

“It is on principle that we continue to stand with the Palestinian people in their quest for statehood, recognising as we do the pain of dispossession, land theft and state-sanctioned brutality. Even when a number of countries criticised us for doing so, and before the full extent of the brutality in Gaza was laid bare, our commitment to peace, justice and the rule of law informed our decision to take Israel to the International Court of Justice.

“We continue to stand in principled solidarity with the peoples of Western Sahara in their struggle for self-determination, even when this has found us at odds with other countries, including on the African continent,” he said.

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‘Let the dialogue begin and all voices be heard’

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By OBAKENG MAJE

24 August 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said the first National Convention of the much-anticipated National Dialogue concluded last week Saturday with a resounding call for the conversation among South Africans to begin. Ramaphosa said the convention, which was attended by just over 1000 delegates from organisations drawn from all sectors of society, was the kick-off for thousands of public dialogues that will take place for the next few months and into the beginning of next year. 
 
He further said the public dialogues will take place at a local level in wards and at a sectoral level. Ramaphosa added that citizens will also be encouraged to organise their own dialogues, bringing people together to discuss the issues that concern them and to look for solutions to the challenges they face.
 
“The outcomes of each of these dialogues will be recorded and collated through a special digital platform. There will also be mechanisms in place to enable those without access to the technology to submit the outcomes of their dialogues.
 
“All of these discussions will culminate in a second National Convention to be held during the first half of 2026. It is anticipated that this convention will produce a clear vision for the country and adopt a social compact that outlines the roles and responsibilities of all sections of society, from citizens to the arms of the state, from business, labour, traditional leaders, religious bodies to civil society, activist and civic organisations,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the form and content of these outcomes will ultimately be determined by the South African people through their discussions. He said the first National Convention reflected the great diversity of the country’s people and their enthusiasm to get involved in the debate.

“Delegates were clear that citizens themselves must determine the issues discussed and must use whatever approaches and methods that suit them and their circumstances. They noted that what might work in a densely-populated city may not work in a rural area where villages are far apart. What might work in a sector that is well organised may not work among people who may not be part of organised formations.
 
“There was a strong emphasis at the convention on inclusion and participation, with some delegates expressing concern that important voices were missing from the gathering. There was a firm view that special efforts should be made to reach and include groups and people who were often left out or marginalised. Preparations for the National Dialogue have been underway for many months, drawing together foundations of struggle stalwarts, civil society bodies and the Presidency,” said Ramaphosa.

He said they were given the responsibility to organise the first National Convention and lay the basis for the public dialogues that would follow it. Ramaphosa said the convention was the moment at which the people of South Africa would take over the National Dialogue.

“Delegates discussed the formation of a Steering Committee, consisting of nominees from all sectors of society, to take the process forward. Each of the sectors held discussions at the convention on how they would select their respective nominee for the Steering Committee by the end of August 2025.

“They agreed that these processes need to be inclusive and that the Steering Committee needs to be representative. In taking the National Dialogue forward, the Steering Committee would be supported and guided by the Eminent Persons Group, prominent South Africans tasked with championing the dialogue and providing advice,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the Eminent Persons Group will also advise the Head of State as the convenor of the National Dialogue to ensure that it is inclusive and credible. He said there should be no person, no part of society and no institution – either public or private – that is excluded from the conversation.

“The dialogue should break down the barriers between ‘insiders’ and ‘outsiders’ and challenge notions of ‘us’ and ‘them’. At the same time, we should not seek a form of unity that is based only on sentiment, but a unity that is forged through constructive and honest discussion on the difficult questions our country faces – and an agreed programme of action.
 
“We should not be afraid to disagree. Disagreeing is part of engaging in a meaningful and robust dialogue. It is through the expression of different views that we will be able to give full legitimacy and credence to the dialogue. We should therefore make a determined effort to air our differences with a view to finding agreement on the actions we need to take together to build a better society, in which every person has an equal opportunity to prosper,” said Ramaphosa.
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The National Dialogue must be a place for women to raise their voices

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By REGINALD KANYANE

11 August 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said on 9 August each year, the country celebrates Women’s Day, where it commemorates the 1956 Women’s March on the Union Buildings. Ramphosa said the march was a political protest against the apartheid-era pass laws, but it was also a powerful assertion of women’s agency.  
 
He further said it signalled that the women of South Africa, who were at that time relegated to the status of perpetual minors by the apartheid regime, would not be passive bystanders as their lives were profoundly affected by policies made about them, without them. Ramaphosa added that on Friday this week, organisations from across South Africa will gather at the National Convention in Pretoria to kick-start the National Dialogue process.  
 
“Given the history of women’s struggles in our country, it is therefore to be expected that at this critical moment in our history, women will once again come to the fore and participate actively in the National Dialogue process.
 
“When we announced the National Dialogue we said that it will bring together individuals and organisations from across society to find common ground and new solutions for our country’s many challenges,” he said. 
 
Ramaphosa said women make up more than half of the country’s population. He said women are affected by every political, social and economic issue in the country.

“Likewise, every crisis, whether it is unemployment, crime or climate change, affects women equally and, in some instances, more than men. Recognising that the lives of women are bound up with the future of the nation as a whole, we are counting on women’s groups and organisations to mobilise around the National Dialogue process.  
 
“As government, working in partnership with the various stakeholders, we have committed to ensuring women are equally represented across the structures supporting and guiding the process,” said Ramaphosa. 
 
He said they are to remain true to their objective of giving all sectors of society a voice as they build the South Africa they want, they have to ensure that all women are represented. Ramaphosa said this means a concerted effort to mobilise young and old, urban and rural dwellers, women from different ethnic and linguistic communities, women with disabilities and LGBTQI+ people.  
 
“The reality is that women’s struggles are not all the same and we should not assume they are. Although they may be similar in certain respects, the issues and challenges facing rural women and women in traditional communities differ vastly from those of women in urban areas with access to education, resources and public services.  
 
“This was one of the points made at last year’s South African Women’s Pre-National Dialogue convened by the Institute of Justice and Reconciliation. It emphasised that the National Dialogue process should focus on all issues affecting and impacting women, and that diverse perspectives and priorities of all South African women must be reflected,” he said. 
 
Ramaphosa said as the Government of National Unity (GNU), they seek to drive the strategic priorities of inclusive growth and job creation, tackling the effects of poverty and the high cost of living and building a capable, ethical and developmental state. He said they remain committed to ensuring that gender is mainstream in all government policy and that a gendered lens is consistently applied to every challenge when developing and implementing solutions.

“No government decision should be made without due consideration of how it impacts women specifically. Throughout periods of profound change in the history of South Africa, women have organised to ensure that their voices, consent and participation remained central to all decisions affecting them either directly or indirectly. 
 
“The inclusion of the gender equality clauses in the Freedom Charter was heavily influenced by the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) formed in 1954. More than three decades later, the Women’s National Coalition, which was formed in 1992, played a formative role in ensuring that these passages were reflected in South Africa’s democratic constitution,” said Ramaphosa.  
 
He said from the protests against the pass laws, to the so-called beer-hall protests of 1959, to the rent boycotts of the 1980s, to the contemporary protest movements against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), South African women have a proud history of standing up and being counted. Ramaphosa said with the first National Convention taking place during Women’s Month, they call on all sectors of society to come together to ensure the full participation of all women in the National Dialogue.

“This would be the most fitting and powerful tribute to the legacy of the pioneers of 1956,” he said.

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SA must adapt quickly in a turbulent trade environment

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

4 August 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said the decision by the United States to impose a 30% tariff on South African imports highlights the urgency with which they have to adapt to increasingly turbulent headwinds in international trade. Ramaphosa said the US is South Africa’s second largest trading partner by country and these measures will have a considerable impact on industries that rely heavily on exports to that country and on the workers they employ, as well as on fiscus.

He further said domestic sectors such as agriculture, automotive and textiles have historically benefited from duty-free access to the US market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Ramaphosa added that their trade relations have historically been complementary in nature.

“South African exports do not compete with US producers and do not pose a threat to US industry. It remains our aspiration that this should continue. Largely, our exports are inputs into US industries and therefore support the United States’ industrial base.

“South Africa is also the biggest investor from the African Continent into the US, with 22 of our companies investing in a number of sectors including, mining, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and the food chain. South African imports ultimately benefit US consumers in terms of both choice and cost. By way of example, citrus production is counter-seasonal and does not pose a threat to US production,” he said.

Ramaphosa said production by US companies has been on the decline for a number of years as the US sector grapples with low yields, a citrus greening disease and other factors unrelated to competition from imports. He said imports from South Africa, the world’s second largest citrus exporter, have filled a gap and contributed to stable supply and prices for US consumers.

“As government, we have been engaging the United States to enhance mutually beneficial trade and investment relations. All channels of communication remain open to engage with the US.

“Our foremost priority is protecting our export industries. We will continue to engage the US in an attempt to preserve market access for our products. We must also accelerate the diversification of our export markets, particularly by deepening intra-African trade,” said Ramaphosa.

He said with a view to helping their producers and exporters aggressively explore alternative markets, they have established an Export Support Desk to assist affected producers. Ramaphosa said they will in due course be announcing the modalities of a support package for companies, producers and workers that have been rendered vulnerable by the US tariffs.

“This intervention will also play a key role in guiding industries looking to expand into new markets in the rest of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and markets we already have trade agreements with. Strengthening regional value chains will be key to building resilience for our export markets in the longer term.

“Much as strengthening and establishing alternative value chains will take time, this moment presents us with an opportunity to push forward with the implementation and expansion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Reducing over-dependence on certain markets is a strategic imperative to build the resilience of our economy,” he said.

Ramaphosa said it will also enable them to expand the frontiers of opportunity for South African businesses, goods and services. He said in the coming months, they will be scaling up their trade missions into new markets in Africa and beyond, as well as the National Exporter Development Programme whose aim is to grow the pool of export-ready companies.

“It is important to understand that South Africa is not alone in facing high tariffs from the US. A number of export-reliant developed and developing economies, including several on the continent, are also grappling with these measures.

“The international trading system is changing. Complacency will not serve us, and building resilience is imperative. As a government we remain committed to ongoing engagement with the US and building trade resilience,” said Ramaphosa.

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Auto industry continues to drive investment, jobs and innovation

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By REGINALD KANYANE

28 July 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa has a well-established auto manufacturing industry that is more than a century old. Ramaphosa said it has proven to be one of the most resilient sectors of our economy. 

He further said since the first assembly plants were established in the Eastern Cape in the 1920s, the auto industry has grown to become the largest manufacturing sector in the country. Ramaphosa added that South Africa’s role in global vehicle manufacturing has expanded and grown. 

“Auto companies like Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have plants here in our country that produce vehicles for the local market and for export to many other countries in the world. A number of these companies continue to expand their investments in our country. The sector currently supports more than 115,000 direct manufacturing jobs and more than 500,000 across the value chain.

“It contributes approximately 5.3% to GDP. However, the industry is under growing pressure. The introduction of stricter vehicle emissions regulations in leading export destinations such as the European Union, as well as new tariffs from the United States, are expected to have a significant impact on the sector,” he said.

Ramaphosa said with exports currently accounting for approximately two-thirds of local vehicle production, it is critical that we strengthen the sector to not only overcome current headwinds, but to ensure its long-term sustainability. He said last week, he attended the launch of BMW’s new X3 plug-in hybrid at the company’s Rosslyn plant in Tshwane. South Africa is the exclusive global production site for this model.

“The shift from internal combustion engines (ICE) towards hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) in a number of markets means that green mobility is becoming increasingly important for automotive manufacturers. The latest investment by BMW following their pledge at our South Africa Investment Conference in 2023 is a welcome signal to investors that South Africa remains a favourable place to do business.

“As government, we are working to ensure there is an enabling regulatory and policy environment to support the growth of this burgeoning industrial activity. Our five South Africa Investment Conferences, where we invited companies to make investment pledges that are translated into actual investments, is an important platform for companies to declare their investment intention to South Africa and demonstrate that South Africa is an investable market,” said Ramaphosa.

He said government support to the car manufacturing industry through the Automotive Production and Development Programme will position South Africa as a key global manufacturing base for vehicles of the future. Ramaphosa said this is not just critical to the sustainability of the sector, but to growing the workforce and skills of the future. 

“BMW, for example, has a training academy that focuses on competencies like EV assembly and robotics. The company is also a founding partner of the Youth Employment Service (YES), which was established between the government and the private sector to create work experience opportunities for young people.

“This initiative introduces young people into the world of work for a year of experience and training. Often if they meet the standards of the participating company they stand a good chance of being absorbed as employees of the company. BMW’s participation in this programme has supported more than 3,500 young people with training and work placements across all nine provinces. 

“We have invited more companies to participate in the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme as broadly as BMW has done. We are working to ensure that more production takes place locally, creating more employment. To do this, we must upskill our workforce and facilitate the creation of new companies across the value chain. As such, we welcome initiatives by the sector to support skills development through initiatives such as the Centre of Excellence at the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone,” he said.

Ramaphosa said this centre has an artisan training academy, an incubation hub and a science, technology, engineering and mathematics programme for high school learners.  He said there are also a number of industry-driven training initiatives focusing on technical and artisanal skills, and deepening collaboration between government departments, vocational colleges and companies to grow a new skills pipeline.

“Protecting existing jobs in the sector is paramount, particularly in the light of the looming US tariffs. The need to diversify our export base has become all the greater. We are committed to working with the sector to expand its continental footprint, building on the already strong growth of exports to the SADC region and leveraging the trade relationships that exist. 

“Amid these challenges, South Africa’s auto industry is making the investments needed to build resilience, protect jobs and lead the way into a new era of green mobility,” said Ramaphosa.

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Buti Manamela appointed as new Minister of Higher Education and Training

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Picture: New Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela

By BAKANG MOKOTO

21 July 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has in terms of Section 91 (2) appointed Buti Manamela as the new Minister of Higher Education and Training. Ramaphosa said Manamela was until this appointment, serving as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, a role he held from the 7th administration.

“Consequently, I have in terms of Section 93 (b), appointed Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube as the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training. Dube’s long government leadership experience includes serving as KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional affairs and Premier of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal.

“Section 93 (b) empowers the President to appoint no more than two Deputy Ministers from outside the Assembly,” he said.

Meanwhile, the former Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane said she would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Ramaphosa for entrusting her with responsibility to serve as Minister of Higher Education and Training. Nkabane said it has been a privilege to lead this important portfolio.

“I am grateful to the sector and the people of South Africa for their support and for allowing me to serve in this capacity. I remain committed to the service of our people and the advancement of our country’s development,” she said.

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SIU investigation into NWDC expanded

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By OBAKENG MAJE

21 July 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has signed Proclamation 270 of 2025, amending Proclamation 30 of 2019 to expand the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) probe into the North West Development Corporation (NWDC). The amendment specifically authorises the SIU to investigate contracts awarded to Tokiso Security Services CC to provide security services to the NWDC and other provincial government entities.

The SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said the original proclamation had empowered the SIU to investigate maladministration related to the establishment of Tokiso Security Services as a subsidiary of the NWDC. Kganyago said the new amendment extends this mandate to examine all contracts, where Tokiso Security Services CC was appointed to render security services to the NWDC, provincial departments, public entities and government business enterprises in the North West.

“The expansion of the investigation scope will allow the SIU to determine whether the security service contracts were awarded appropriately and if any irregularities, maladministration, or financial losses to the state occurred during the procurement process.

“The SIU will investigate whether proper procedures were followed in appointing Tokiso Security Services CC and whether any officials, employees, or service providers acted improperly. Additionally, the amendment extends the investigation period to include conduct up to the date of the proclamation’s publication on 18 July 2025,” he said.

Kganyago further said the original Proclamation (R.30 of 2019) also authorised the SIU to investigate irregularities in contracts associated with the NWDC, including the Youth Enterprise Combo implemented by MVEST Protecting the public interest and assets through prevention measures and systemic investigations to eradicate fraud, maladministration, and corruption. He added the trust, security services provided by Naphtronics (Pty) Ltd and the purchase of the Christiana Hotel and Game Farm.

“Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption, and fraud, the SIU is committed to identifying systemic failures and recommending measures to prevent future losses. In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.

“Under the SIU Act, the SIU is also authorised to initiate a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration,” said Kganyago.

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Ramaphosa: “We are making steady progress on economic reform”

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By BAKANG MOKOTO

21 July 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said they are making steady progress on economic reform. Ramaphosa said last week, they released a progress report on Operation Vulindlela, a government-wide initiative to accelerate progress on economic reform.

He further said this report shows that the economic reform programme is making steady progress, opening the way to more rapid, inclusive and sustainable growth and job creation. Ramaphoisa added that they established Operation Vulindlela in the 6th administration to remove the binding constraints that have long held back the economy’s growth such as an unreliable energy supply, inefficient rail and ports, high data costs, and a visa system that had deterred investors and tourists.

“We have made significant progress since then in clearing these obstacles with a clear view to enhance economic growth. The reduction in load shedding over the past year was supported by the reforms that we introduced to unlock private investment in electricity generation, while reforms in the telecommunications sector have brought down the cost of mobile data.

“We have reduced the turnaround times for approval processes for water use licences and energy projects, made great progress in clearing the visa application backlog, and expanding the eVisa scheme. In April 2025, we commenced the next phase of Operation Vulindlela to build on these successes and initiate a second wave of reform,” he said.

Ramaphosa said they are moving quickly towards a competitive electricity market, which will introduce greater competition in electricity generation and reduce the chances of experiencing load shedding again. He said the reform underway in the energy sector will introduce greater choice for consumers and drive down costs.

“As part of this process, work is underway to establish an independent Transmission System Operator within the next five years, in line with the Electricity Regulation Act. We have also made significant progress towards enabling greater investment in our transmission network, including from the private sector, with regulations to govern these investments.

“In April, the Rail Infrastructure Manager was established as a separate operating division of Transnet with its own management and reporting structure. It has made capacity available across the freight rail network to private train operating companies and has received 98 requests for access to date,” said Ramaphosa.

He said a revised Network Statement will soon be published and capacity allocated in response to these requests, marking the start of open competition in freight rail. Ramaphosa said a Private Sector Participation Unit has been established within the Development Bank of Southern Africa to facilitate and fast-track private sector participation in logistics.

“A request for information for private sector participation projects in the rail system and ports has received a strong response from the market, and will enable us to mobilise new investment to modernise and expand our logistics infrastructure.

“The reform of our visa system is making it much easier for people to visit South Africa and bring much-needed skills and investment while enhancing border security through the Border Management Authority, which we established in the Sixth Administration as part of the reform process. An Electronic Travel Authorisation system has been developed by the Department of Home Affairs and is being prepared to go live in September 2025,” he said.

Ramaphosa said as part of Operation Vulindlela Phase II, they are also reforming the local government system to ensure that basic services such as water and electricity – which are essential for economic growth – are delivered efficiently and reliably. He said several metros have submitted plans for the turnaround of their water and electricity utilities that outline a clear pathway for the ring-fencing of water and electricity services.

“Progress against these action plans will enable these municipalities to access a new performance-based incentive from the National Treasury to drive much greater investment in water and electricity infrastructure. All of these reforms are designed to boost economic growth and create jobs for South Africans.

The claims by some opposition parties that these reforms represent a form of privatisation are baseless and misguided.

“The measures we are taking are common sense reforms that will preserve public ownership of key infrastructure while introducing greater competition, dynamism and investment. A number of our peer countries introduced similar reforms, which have powered their economies to higher levels of growth,” said Ramaphosa.

He said even as the world faces difficult economic headwinds, our economic reform agenda will create the conditions for higher growth and investment, while renewing our infrastructure for generations to come.

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