PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA AT THE 7TH AFRICAN UNION-EUROPEAN UNION SUMMIT

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PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA AT THE 7TH AFRICAN UNION-EUROPEAN UNION SUMMIT

THEMATIC SESSION 1 MULTILATERALISM

24 NOVEMBER 2025 

LUANDA, ANGOLA       

Your Excellency João Lourenço, President of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union,

Your Excellency António Costa, President of the European Council, Your Excellency Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Your Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Your Excellency António Gutteres, Secretary-General of the United Nations,

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to begin by congratulating our hosts, the Republic of Angola, on the 50th anniversary of their independence.

This milestone is a reminder of the long road we have travelled together, as countries and as a continent. It gives us inspiration and encouragement as we chart the road ahead.

It is fitting that the African Union's theme for this year is: “Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”.

If, in line with this them, we are to address historical injustices and build a better future, we need to reinforce multilateralism.

The multilateral system is under great pressure. Geopolitical rivalry continues to cause turbulence in the rules-based international order. 

South Africa remains convinced that global challenges are best resolved through multilateralism anchored on the principles of the United Nations Charter. 

Significant reforms are required to transform the United Nations, global financial architecture, and the international trade system to enhance sustainability, efficiency, inclusiveness and the voice of developing economy countries.

More than two thirds of UN General Assembly Member States still do not enjoy permanent representation on the Security Council. 

To ensure the Security Council's credibility and legitimacy, we need to advance Africa's position as per the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.

For Africa, a stable and predictable multilateral trading system is essential to support growth and meaningful integration into the global economy.

Inequality in global trade affects the world’s most vulnerable, including countries that are already burdened by mounting sovereign debt, a sharp decline in exports, and cuts in overseas development assistance. 

These are issues that are addressed in the G20 Leaders’ Declaration adopted in Johannesburg over the weekend.

In the declaration, the leaders reaffirm their commitment to support efforts by low- and middle-income countries to address debt vulnerabilities.

They also affirm the importance of a rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core.

Significantly, the Leaders’ Declaration acknowledges that the agreed-upon rules in the WTO are key to facilitating global trade. 

In the declaration, the G20 leaders recognise that meaningful and comprehensive reform of the WTO is essential to improve its functions so that it is better suited to advance all Members’ objectives.

When global trade systems are stable and predictable, it gives confidence to governments, assurance to exporters and offers security to workers around the world.

Such reform should be development-centred and address persisting development gaps in the global economy. Crucially, it must allow developing economies to adopt legitimate public policy measures that support value addition, industrialisation and diversification.

We need to ensure that trade becomes a powerful instrument for inclusive, sustainable and balanced growth.

This year, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the AU-EU Partnership. 

This is a pivotal moment to jointly champion Africa’s Agenda 2063 and its Second Ten Year Implementation Plan, with youth and women empowerment at the centre of our efforts.

As we build this partnership between Africa and Europe – as we reflect on where we have come from and where we want to go – we must be resolute in working towards deepening the economic, social and political integration of the African continent. 

I thank you.

*ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA* 

www.thepresidency.gov.za 

Luanda, Angola

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KicksOff 16 Days of Activism against GBVF Campaign

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KicksOff 16 Days of Activism against GBVF Campaign 

The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) will on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, launch the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign. The campaign will run from Tuesday, 25 November 2025 to Wednesday, 10 December 2025, under the theme “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls working together to end GBVF”. 

Members of the media are invited as follows: Date: Tuesday, 25 November 2025 Time: 13h00 Venue: Orlando Community Hall 

The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the widespread issue of Gender-based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and to inspire collective action across all sectors of society. This year’s campaign emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of GBVF, promoting positive masculinity and gender equality, while emphasising the importance of men, women, boys and girls working together to combat GBVF. MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, is expected to lead a colloquium during the launch, to enable meaningful engagement between government, civil society, academia, and GBVF service recipients. 

It aims to create space for survivors' voices to be heard, ensuring that the campaign reflects lived experiences and not just policy intentions. GBVF Brigades together with stakeholders including the Community Patrollers will be on the ground, conducting door-to-doors ahead of the formal programme to bring awareness around GBVF and allow early detection of GBV. In addition, various programmes will be conducted throughout the campaign, in the five regions of Gauteng to highlight the role of the provincial government in driving an integrated approach to the fight against GBVF. 

This underscores government’s commitment to prevent violence, ensure the protection and support of GBV survivors, provide the necessary justice and dignity they deserve. 

“The recent marches across our province and the country demonstrate that we must act with urgency and respond to the matter with practical solutions. 

We envisage this year’s campaign to be impactful and responsive to the needs of citizens,” said the Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi. 

 

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COUNCILLOR IN COURT FOR TWO COUNTS OF ATTEMPTED MURDER

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COUNCILLOR IN COURT FOR TWO COUNTS OF ATTEMPTED MURDER

A 34-year-old Ward 29 Councillor from Pienaar,  Dumsane Christopher Gonrover Masilela, appeared in Kanyamazane Periodical Court on two counts of attempted murder following a violent altercation stemming from the death of a minor.

According to information received, on 20 November 2025,  a father from Pienaar confronted his 16-year-old daughter after noticing that she appeared distressed and frequently cried. The daughter allegedly informed him that a boy from her school had been abusing her.

The father then drove with his daughter to the boy’s residence in their neighbourhood to establish the identity of the alleged perpetrator. Upon arrival, the boy was not at home. The father returned to his residence and later dropped off his daughter.

Later that day, the father discovered that his daughter had committed suicide. He cut the rope she had used to hang herself and rushed her to the nearest clinic, where she was certified dead.

At approximately 19:30, while the father was at home mourning, he heard noises coming from the sitting room. When he went to investigate, he found members of his late wife’s family present. They confronted him about why they had not been informed of his daughter’s passing, stating that they also had a right to be notified.

An altercation then ensued between the father and his late wife’s family. During the confrontation, a councillor, known to the family as a family friend (wife’s family), allegedly became involved. The councillor reportedly drew a firearm and fired a shot, grazing the father as well as a neighbour who was attempting to intervene and stop the fight.

The two victims were taken to hospital for medical treatment.

On 21 November 2025, two cases of attempted murder were opened at Pienaar SAPS. A police investigation led to the arrest of the councillor.

The case will be back in court tomorrow for the continuation of the bail application.

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Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla Trafficking South Africans

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Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla Trafficking South Africans 

 

The Democratic Alliance is calling for urgent action from Parliament and law-enforcement after new and very disturbing information came to light about how 17 young South African men were lured into travelling to Russia and then forced into the Ukraine war.

These men were promised bodyguard or security training. But when they arrived, they were made to sign documents written in Russian, had their passports, phones and bank cards taken away, and were moved to the Donetsk region, close to active fighting. Some were forced to carry weapons and ammunition, dig trenches and operate equipment under Russian control. They have been asking their families and government for help because they want to come home.

This is a chilling case of the powerful preying on the vulnerable. The promise of a job was a death trap, and an MP stands accused of holding the door open.

The DA will be filing a criminal case with the SAPS to investigate the roles of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla MP and others mentioned in media reports for misleading these young men and sending them into an active war zone. The matter has already been handed over to the Hawks.

The DA fully supports the Hawks investigation, and if the evidence shows that laws were broken – including trafficking, fraud or illegal foreign military activity – then the law must take its course and prosecution must follow.

Provided that Zuma-Sambudla is a sitting Member of Parliament, I am also writing to the Acting Registrar of Parliament’s Ethics Committee to request an immediate ethics investigation. Allegations of this nature, involving an MP, cannot be ignored. If a public representative abused her position to recruit or mislead young South Africans into a foreign conflict, it would be a serious breach of her Oath of office and Parliament’s ethical rules. Parliament must treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves.

I and my DA counterpart on the International Relations portfolio committee, Ryan Smith MP, will both write to our respective portfolio committee chairpersons to urge that our committees are urgently briefed on this concerning matter by the State Security Agency, Defence Intelligence, DIRCO, the Hawks and the Department of Defence. We need clarity on how this recruitment network operated inside South Africa, whether warning signs were missed, and what government is doing to bring the men home safely.

South Africa cannot allow our young people to be tricked into fighting in foreign wars. We cannot allow political connections to be used to mislead vulnerable citizens. And we cannot allow Parliament to look the other way when one of its members faces allegations of this seriousness.

The DA will continue pushing for full accountability, proper oversight and urgent action to protect our citizens and uphold the rule of law.

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Putting People at the Centre of DA Policy by John Steenhuisen

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Putting People at the Centre of DA Policy
by John Steenhuisen 

On Monday, 24 November, the Democratic Alliance convened its Policy Conference, bringing together DA Members of Parliament, Provincial Legislatures, Members of the Federal Executive, Councillors and branch members to refine and adopt the party’s next phase of policy proposals.

This policy conference affirmed four key features of the DA.

The DA is the only party that delivers services for all. This is evident where we govern. The passing of the DA’s 2026 manifesto framework affirmed this.

We celebrate the passage of new, exciting, modern, implementable policies, highlighting the fact that the DA is a vibrant party leading the charge in South Africa.

The party is united in its goal of improving the lives and livelihoods of all South Africans. With the mandate of voters, we are ready to get municipalities where we do not currently govern working again.

The people of South Africa are the centre of our policies. This is a core principle that underpins every decision we take as a party.

Where South Africans have placed their trust in the DA, they have unlocked clean governance, working services, and real opportunities. Consequently, we are committed to offering the country clear, credible and detailed plans that show exactly how a DA-led government will make life better for everyone.

Delegates approved and passed several policy offerings, including the DA’s Environment Policy, which outlines a sustainable plan to protect South Africa’s water, air, biodiversity, and natural resources while promoting environmental awareness and economic opportunities across society.

We tabled the DA’s Health Policy, which supports universal healthcare coverage that is affordable and sustainable. The ANC’s proposed NHI in its current form risks collapsing the health system and bankrupting the state. 

The DA’s alternative offers a workable, patient-centred path to universal coverage without jeopardising fiscal stability.

In addition, the conference discussed the DA’s stance on illegal immigration and border management, highlighting the need for lawful, well-managed and humane immigration practice, supported by secure borders and efficient Home Affairs systems.

Delegates also considered the DA’s 2026 Manifesto framework. Focused on four primary themes, crime, corruption, jobs and basic service delivery, the Manifesto Framework sets out our blueprint for professional, accountable, financially disciplined municipalities that deliver services and restore functionality where governance has collapsed.

I want to thank the Federal Policy Unit for their outstanding work. Their rigorous research, drafting, and analysis underpin our credibility as a party of ideas and ensure that our policy offering remains unmatched.

I would also like to thank all delegates who contributed to the conference, bringing the voices of the voters they represent directly into the DA’s policy offering.

Where the DA governs, services are rendered, opportunities increase and lives improve.

With the increased mandate of voters, we will now extend good governance, freedom, fairness and opportunity across the country. We are united by purpose, prepared and ready as we head towards the upcoming local government elections, and beyond.

This raft of policies (based on core DA principles) illustrates how and why, together with South African voters, we can sort this out.

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Responsible Celebrations and Support for Matric Learners

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Responsible Celebrations and Support for Matric Learners

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) calls on parents and guardians to ensure that their children refrain from attending the so-called “Pens Down” parties. These privately organised celebrations have become common after examinations, yet they often expose learners to serious risks.

We urge learners to celebrate the end of their high-school journey responsibly. Dangerous behaviour — including public drinking and drug use — must be avoided. The tragic loss of 21 young people at the Enyobeni Tavern in June 2022 remains a painful reminder of the consequences of unsafe celebrations. We cannot afford a repeat of such an incident.

We have also observed a trend of learners tearing or writing on their school uniforms. While we understand the excitement of completing matric, we encourage learners to do this only with old or unusable uniforms. Usable items should be donated to others who will return to school next year.

Parents and families are urged to offer emotional support to matriculants as they await their results. Excessive pressure can contribute to stress, anxiety and even depression. Paying close attention to changes in behaviour is critical during this period.

To the Matric Class of 2025: education remains one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. Despite the pressures, uncertainties and long nights, you have shown resilience and commitment. We honour your efforts and encourage you to enjoy the festive season safely and responsibly.

In the weeks and months ahead, seize opportunities that can build your skills and strengthen your future — whether through work experience, part-time employment, learnerships or volunteering. Your perseverance has brought you this far; continue to dream boldly, strive for excellence and walk with purpose.

Halala, Matrics. May Your Future Shine Brightly.

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Joburg Inclusive Economic Growth

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Joburg Inclusive Economic Growth

The City of Johannesburg’s Department of Economic Development has reaffirmed its commitment to driving inclusive economic recovery and strengthening collaboration across traditional leadership, academia, business and government.

Speaking at the Royal Business Breakfast in Soweto over the weekend—an official C20 (civil society wing of the G20) side event—the Department’s Head, Mathopane Masha, highlighted Johannesburg’s role as South Africa’s economic anchor and a vital platform for uniting diverse leadership sectors.

“Today’s gathering represents a powerful collaboration where traditional leadership, government, business and civil society come together to advance inclusive socio-economic development,” he said.

Masha added that Johannesburg’s role in hosting G20 processes presents an opportunity to channel inclusive growth at local and regional levels. “Our metropolitan diversity makes the City an ideal neutral space where urban and royal leadership can collaborate at the intersection of tradition and modernity,” he said.

The Deputy Minister for Small Business Development, Jane Sithole, emphasised the importance of centring rural transformation and traditional structures in national development. “South Africa’s traditional leadership is more than a custodian of culture — it is a strategic partner in unlocking inclusive economic growth,” she said. She noted that development must reach communities where potential remains largely untapped.

Sithole also highlighted government efforts to improve access to development finance for rural small businesses and cooperatives. “These interventions are not merely economic tools — they are instruments of dignity, independence and community resilience.”

Adding the voice of academia, Carol Keshy, Acting Director of the Johannesburg Business School, stressed the pivotal role of education, entrepreneurship and traditional leadership in advancing local economic empowerment. “Every community, from major metros to the most rural village, holds extraordinary potential waiting to be unlocked,” she said.

The Royal Business Breakfast concluded with a shared commitment from government, business, academia and traditional leadership to drive sustainable, inclusive economic growth and ensure that communities — both urban and rural — benefit from emerging opportunities.

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Capricorn District Municipality’s R11m failed Water Plant at Letswatla

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Capricorn District Municipality’s R11m failed Water Plant at Letswatla

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Capricorn District Municipality (CDM) is outraged by the collapse of yet another water project and will demand that the municipal Council urgently institute a full forensic investigation. The defunct R11 million purification plant at Letswatla has never operated since it was built more than a decade ago.

This investigation must include the immediate disclosure of all consultants, engineers and contractors involved, a detailed explanation for the project’s failure, and clear identification of those who must be held accountable.

A decade after its construction, the plant remains a wasted, non-functional asset due to a fundamentally flawed design, the absence of electrification, and a complete failure of municipal oversight. The purification system cannot produce potable water because it is incompatible with the steel reservoir. The reservoir leaks heavily, proving that neither the design nor the workmanship met even minimum engineering standards.

See video here

Despite the site being declared “completed,” Eskom never electrified the plant, meaning it has never been switched on, tested, or commissioned.

To compensate for the defective design, four Jojo tanks were later installed raising questions about why engineers and the municipality approved a system that could never function. Although all components are allegedly on site, the transformer remains uninstalled, the plant is unelectrified, and there is no evidence that the system works.

The original contractor was later blacklisted, which only deepens concerns about CDM’s procurement integrity, contract management, and quality assurance. The community has received no benefit whatsoever from a project funded with public money.

The consequences for residents are immediate and severe. The community relies on a borehole in a neighbouring village, with water pressure so low that only one street receives water at a time. Households often receive water only once a week. Valves repeatedly block including those supplying the local clinic compromising essential health services. A second borehole has been requested for years, yet CDM continues to ignore the community’s pleas.

These failures constitute clear violations of:

The Municipal Finance Management Act – fruitless and wasteful expenditure and failure to ensure value for money;

The Municipal Systems Act – failure to provide basic services;

Supply Chain Management Regulations – defective procurement and poor contract management;

The Water Services Act – failure to provide clean and safe drinking water;

Engineering Council of South Africa standards – as no competent engineer would have approved such a fundamentally incompatible design.

Where the DA governs, we insist on clean, transparent, and accountable governance that delivers real, measurable improvements to the lives of the communities we serve.

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Declaration of GBVF as a National Disaster

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Declaration of GBVF as a National Disaster

RISE Mzansi fully endorses the declaration of Gender-Based Violence & Femicide (GBVF) as a National Disaster. This significant legislative move must ensure that existing safeguards are enforced and strengthened so that every woman and child, and the LBGTQIA+ community are able to live as humans free from fear. Where acts of violence are perpetuated, there must be confidence that the criminal justice system will act accordingly.

GBVF impedes freedom of movement, the ability to study and to earn an income. It even impacts safety within the home, given South Africa’s unacceptable rates of intimate domestic violence. South Africa is in the midst of an epidemic of violence against women and girls, against children, and against LGBTQIA+ people.

RISE Mzansi believes that this crisis requires a holistic approach, beyond just safety, which the National Disaster Declaration must play a role in; with policies on jobs, substance abuse and people’s socio-economic conditions, but the key contributor to this epidemic is that perpetrators act with no fear of consequences. This must stop.

Part of the National Disaster declaration must be about quarterly reporting:

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) must report quarterly on its case load and prosecution rate in relation to GBVF cases

The South Africa Police Service (SAPS) must report on how many dockets and cases relate to GBVF, particularly rape

Stats SA must better highlight the unemployment rate of women.

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) must be resourced in order to fully advance it mandate of inter alia promoting respect for gender equality and the protection, development and attainment of gender equality by monitoring, investigating, researching, educating, lobbying, advising and reporting on issues concerning gender equality

Parliament must receive a report from the Executive and its agencies on the impact of the National Disaster

Much credit must be given to the women of South Africa, Women for Change and other civil society organisations who have gotten us to this point.

A year from now, we must have made progress, if not the declaration of the National Disaster would have been in name alone. Now more than ever, political will is necessary.

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ANCYL RESOLVING INTERNAL CHALLENGES

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ANCYL RESOLVING INTERNAL CHALLENGES 

The African National Congress (ANC) appreciates and welcomes the successful engagement held between the Secretary General, Cde Fikile Mbalula, and the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL). 

The meeting provided an opportunity for the ANCYL to outline the challenges it had recently confronted and the steps it undertook to address them. The meeting resolved that all suspension letters issued in relation to the matter be immediately withdrawn. It is agreed that the Secretary General of the ANCYL will issue a public apology as part of restoring unity and organisational discipline.  

The ANC commends the ANCYL for demonstrating organisational discipline, maturity and unity of purpose by resolving these matters internally and responsibly. Their conduct reflects a renewed culture of accountability and collective leadership that strengthens both the ANCYL and the broader movement. The ANC expresses full confidence in the ANCYL leadership as they continue to play a decisive role in championing youth development, advancing the struggles of young people, and contributing to the renewal and reconstruction of the movement. 

We call on all members and leaders of the ANCYL to give maximum attention to ensuring the successful convening of the 27th National Congress, from 14 to 17 December 2025, at the University of Limpopo. 

We are assured that the ANCYL will continue to mobilise the energy, creativity and activism of young people in the service of social transformation. The organisation reaffirms its commitment to supporting the ANCYL.  

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Adoption of G20 Leaders Declaration

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Adoption of G20 Leaders Declaration

 

The Democratic Alliance congratulates all of the South African government on securing agreement on the Leaders' Declaration today at the G20 Leaders Summit.

This declaration represents a significant and positive outcome. It reinforces core principles essential to global stability, security and development, including respect for international law and human rights, the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and a renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation.

Importantly, through the declaration, G20 members seek to ease the debt burden on developing countries, strengthen climate-resilience, and support a just transition to sustainable energy systems that have positive implications for jobs and growth.

In addition the declaration welcomes the "Ubuntu approaches" on food security and nutrition, developed under South Africa's G20 Presidency, and sustainable, climate resilient agriculture. This will expanded access to safe, healthy and nutritious food for vulnerable South Africans.

These priorities are vital for South Africa as government seeks to implement the urgent reforms required to turbocharge our economy.

It has been an honour to be a part of this meeting and the team that made this summit not only possible but valuable. As such it represents an important step toward improved, inclusive global cooperation and, closer to home, to the inestimable value of the GNU.

As a partner in the GNU, the DA will work to ensure that the G20 commitments translate into tangible progress at home.

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DECLARATION OF GENDER BASED VIOLENCE AND FEMICIDE AS A NATIONAL CRISIS AT THE G20 SOCIAL SUMMIT

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DECLARATION OF GENDER BASED VIOLENCE AND FEMICIDE AS A NATIONAL CRISIS AT THE G20 SOCIAL SUMMIT 

The ANC Women’s League has been consistent in advancing the struggle against the scourge of Gender Based Violence and Femicide, which has ravaged our country with a series of attacks on innocent women and children in unprecedented levels.  

We have since intensified the struggle to end the merciless killing of women through protest marches, mass prayers and petitions to lobby society for collaboration against this scourge. 

In November last year we organised a march to the executive seat of our government in Tshwane, and unambiguously demanded a Declaration of the National State of Disaster.

Notwithstanding a series of other campaigns which followed from our structures in various provinces, including a march to the National Assembly in Cape Town in April 2025, where we also submitted a list of demands for expeditious interventions and to firm up our call for the Declaration of the State of Disaster. 

We have since taken our campaign to relevant authorities through round-table engagements with the Office of the State President, and met with the Honourable Deputy President Comrade Paul Mashatile, and a commitment was made to expedite radical interventions to combat the scourge. 

After lengthy bureaucratic processes, delegated by the President to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, as directed by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the ANC Women’s League is proud to inform the nation that we have a breakthrough, the President has indeed Declared GBVF a National Crisis at the G20 Social Summit today at Birchwood, and this is informed by the regulatory framework of our country. 

The Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs will in the next few days proceed with due processes for the coordination of the different elements of activities, in order to realise the full implementation of the course of action. 

We therefore want to applaud all our structures, the progressive women’s formations, faith-based organisations, and civil society organisations who came together in a collaborative alliance of the motive forces in defence of women and children. 

This declaration is a victory for all South African women and vulnerable groups who continue to fall prey to vicious men, and we believe this shall be the beginning of the end to the most atrocious onslaught to be experienced in this country, since the dawn of freedom. 

The ANC Women’s League will closely monitor the progress as the developments unfold in the process of implementation as per the guidelines of the Disaster Management Act, and we await the decision on the categorisation thereof, by the end of November. 

We once again commend our President and the government for finally ceding to our call, for this shall never be about triumphalism on the part of the ANC Women’s League but our revolutionary duty to realise the total emancipation of women in our lifetime. 

The ANC Women’s League remains steadfast in our resolve to be the voice of the voiceless and defend women and all vulnerable groups. 

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Mangaung cash flow as Treasury threatens to withhold equitable share

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Mangaung Cash Flow as Treasury threatens to withhold equitable share

The Democratic Alliance confirmed that the National Treasury has issued a formal notice to Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality under section 216(2) of the Constitution, warning that the Metro’s December equitable-share allocation may be withheld due to severe and persistent breaches of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

This is one of the most serious financial enforcement measures available to the Treasury and signals a Metro on the brink of fiscal failure and service delivery collapse.

Despite the gravity of this threat, the Executive Mayor has failed to table the Treasury letter and its implications before Council, keeping both councillors and residents in the dark. This is not in compliance with legislation.
In terms of MFMA section 52(d), the Mayor must report to Council on “the implementation of the budget and the financial state of the municipality.”

A threatened stoppage of the equitable share is unquestionably a material financial event and must be disclosed immediately.

Furthermore, MFMA section 60(1)(c) requires the Accounting Officer to report “any impending financial problems” to the Mayor, and Council must be allowed to consider the City’s response as needed for the constitutional process under section 216(2).

Meanwhile, Mangaung’s finances are collapsing. Diesel shortages and non-payment to contractors have already led to a failure to provide basic service delivery in the City in November.

MPAC, the key oversight body mandated to deal with UIFW, is itself dysfunctional. As set out in a DA letter to the Speaker on 6 November, MPAC has not followed its approved work plan.

In a last-ditch attempt to address the Treasury and DA letters, on 18 November, a last-minute MPAC meeting was held without prior access to the documentation, contrary to the Standing Rules and MPAC Terms of Reference.

A day later, more than R7 million in UIFW expenditure was presented under the same procedural defects. This breakdown undermines lawful oversight at a time when Mangaung needs it most.

Treasury requires Mangaung to show a 75% reduction in its UIFW balances, implement consequence management, and demonstrate tangible action. The Metro is nowhere near compliance, placing its equitable share and service delivery at immediate risk.

We will therefore request an urgent Council meeting at which the Mayor must table the complete Treasury correspondence and provide a full account of Mangaung’s financial position and plans to rescue the City’s finances.

The residents of Mangaung deserve transparency, not secrecy, while their City stands on the edge of collapse.

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NATIONAL CRISES GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND FEMICIDE

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NATIONAL CRISES GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND FEMICIDE 

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) welcomes and fully supports the Presidential call to declare Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) as a national crisis. 

This bold and necessary pronouncement marks a significant step in strengthening South Africa’s multi-sectoral response to one of the most devastating and persistent human rights violations affecting women, children, Persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. As the custodian of strategic leadership, advocacy, and coordination to mainstream the socio-economic empowerment of women, youth, and persons with disabilities, the Department will continue to lead efforts to ensure the full implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF (NSP-GBVF). 

The declaration underscores the government’s commitment towards accelerating the implementation of the Six Pillars of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF (NSP) (Accountability, Coordination & Leadership; Prevention & Rebuilding Social Cohesion, Justice, Safety & Protection, Response, Care, Support & Healing; Economic Power and Research & Information Management). Recognising GBVF as a violation of Human rights, the declaration will further elevate GBVF as a priority that demands urgent, coordinated action across all spheres of government, civil society, the private sector, and communities. 

The Department reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ending Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in South Africa. Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga reiterated that the fight against GBVF requires sustained commitment from all sectors of society through collective action. “Government alone cannot end GBVF. It demands a united front—where communities, men, and institutions actively challenge harmful norms, protect survivors, and uphold justice,” the Minister said. 

As part of the upcoming 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the Department will launch the campaign under the theme “LETSEMA”, calling on Men, Women, Boys, Girls and media houses to work together to End Gender Violence and Femicide (GBVF). Bringing together Filmmakers, Media Professionals, Civil Society, Academia, Researchers, Development Partners and all stakeholders, to co-create a shared agenda for GBV prevention through responsible storytelling and inclusive media representation.  

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INTEREST RATE CUT AS RELIEF FOR HOUSEHOLDS

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INTEREST RATE CUT AS RELIEF FOR HOUSEHOLDS

Government welcomes the decision by the South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee to cut the interest rate by 25 basis points, bringing the repo rate to 6.75% and the prime lending rate to 10.25%.

The rate cut is expected to ease pressure on consumers with loans, support small businesses, and encourage investment and economic activity. Government continues to prioritise measures that help reduce the cost of living, create jobs, and improve economic stability. 

The decision aligns with the Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen growth, support vulnerable communities, and build an economy that works for all. Government will continue to work with social partners to improve the economic environment and ensure that the benefits of growth reach the poor and those most affected by rising prices.

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MINISTER STEENHUISEN SALUTES SOUTH AFRICA’S SIX WORLD-CLASS VINEYARDS

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

MINISTER STEENHUISEN SALUTES SOUTH AFRICA’S SIX WORLD-CLASS VINEYARDS 

The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, is today celebrating the remarkable achievement of the South African wine industry for being awarded six coveted spots on the top 100 list of the World’s 50 Best Vineyard 2025 Awards. “We have always known we have great wine, and this exceptional performance, with six of our winery estates securing places amongst the world’s best, is a resounding endorsement of our wine tourism’s consistent standards and innovation,” the minister said. Two vineyards made it to the top ten list. Klein Constantia Wine Estate, in the Western Cape, was named the Best Vinyard in Africa and also the recipient of the Highest Climber Award. 

This estate is now ranked as the sixth top vineyard globally. It has climbed 35 places from its 2024 ranking.  Creation, in the Hemel-en-Aarde area, Western Cape, is ranked number seven globally. This estate has been dominating the regional category and, until last year, was voted the Best Vineyard in Africa. Four local vineyards made it to the extended 51-100 list: • Tokara Wine and Olive Estate (Stellenbosch): No. 71;   • Delaire Graff Estate (Stellenbosch): No. 79;   • La Motte Wine Estate (Franschhoek Valley): No. 94 (New Entry); and   • Hamilton Russell Vineyards (Hemel-en-Aarde): No. 99 (New Entry).   “We applaud the dedication of the teams at all six vineyards for elevating the South African brand to compete on the global stage. Their commitment to excellence not only produces world-renowned wines, but also enhances our reputation as a premier destination for wine tourism,” Minister Steenhuisen said. Economic value of wine tourism The minister highlighted the sector’s crucial contribution to the national economy, noting that wine tourism is a powerful job creator and driver of regional development. 

“Our wine tourism sector demonstrates robust growth, which contributed R9,3 billion to South Africa’s GDP in 2022. It has created around 11 000 jobs at the farm gate and 40 108 employment opportunities. Wine tourism now accounts for 17,3% of the total turnover for all grape-crushing cellars in South Africa.” Minister Steenhuisen added that it is no surprise that our domestic market is the biggest driver of wine tourism. “Local visitors account for 58% of all Cape Winelands room nights in 2024. 

This strong local foundation is the anchor of the sector, ensuring resilience and driving consistent demand.” South Africa produces approximately 4% of the world’s wine and in 2024, the country’s wine industry was ranked the seventh-largest wine producer globally. 

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