GCIS / SAnews

Young professionals urged to restore trust through ethical public service Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has called on South Africa's future public sector professionals to become a new generation of ethical, innovative and accountable leaders capable of rebuilding public trust and driving national development. Addressing the Public Sector Finance Work-Integrated Learning Engagement Session hosted by the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in Polokwane on Friday, Simelane said the country needs skilled public servants who view public service as a calling to improve people's lives, rather than simply a career. "South Africa needs your talent, your energy, and your ideas. But it also needs your discipline, humility, and courage. Choose excellence over mediocrity. “Choose evidence over assumption. Choose integrity over convenience. Choose service over self-interest [and] be the authors of your destiny,” Simelane said. Simelane said the country's developmental agenda depends on capable institutions, ethical leadership, and a new generation of professionals, committed to serving the public interest. She reminded students that South Africa is marking 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution, which sets out the democratic values and principles governing public administration, including accountability, transparency, professionalism, fairness and efficient use of public resources. "A developmental state requires capable institutions; capable institutions require ethical and accountable leadership; and sustainable renewal requires a new generation of skilled public servants. Human Settlements brings these connections into sharp focus because the quality of governance is ultimately experienced in the places where people live," the Minister said. Highlighting the role of the Human Settlements sector, Simelane said government is not merely responsible for administering policies but for translating constitutional rights into tangible improvements in people's lives through serviced land, housing opportunities, secure tenure, and integrated communities located closer to economic opportunities. She said every school, clinic, road and housing project delivered, reflected the work of public institutions and the public servants responsible for turning government policies into reality. The Minister also stressed the critical role of public finance professionals in ensuring government programmes achieve meaningful outcomes. "Public finance is where policy intention meets the discipline of implementation," she said. Simelane noted that sound financial management converts limited public resources into infrastructure, services and opportunities, particularly important in a sector such as Human Settlements, where delivery depends on coordinated investment in land, bulk infrastructure, basic services, housing, and social amenities. She said success should not be measured solely by how much money is spent, but by whether expenditure translates into quality services and improved living conditions. "A housing project is not successful merely because the budget has been exhausted. It must result in safe, durable, and well-located homes, functioning services and communities connected to opportunity. Compliance, performance, and impact must therefore reinforce one another," the Minister said. Ethical leadership and accountability The Minister also warned that competence without integrity posed a significant risk to public institutions. “Ethical leadership is demonstrated in the choices we make when those choices are difficult. It means placing the public interests above personal interests, applying rules fairly, declaring conflicts, protecting public resources, and refusing to normalise conduct that undermines the institution. It means we must not use the authority attached to public office for personal enrichment. “When ethics and accountability are weakened and effectively undermined, the consequences are felt far beyond an audit report. Resources are diverted from communities, projects are delayed, incomplete or of poor quality, institutional morale declines and public trust is eroded," Simelane said. She encouraged aspiring public servants to establish strong professional values before entering the workplace, by maintaining accurate records, respecting governance controls and speaking out when wrongdoing occurs. Innovation in a changing public sector With rapid technological change, the Minister said digital platforms, including data analytics, artificial intelligence, geospatial information, and integrated financial systems, are reshaping how governments plan, spend, monitor and report. However, she warned that technology cannot replace ethical leadership or sound judgement. "Technology is not a substitute for judgement, ethics or accountability. Poor data produces poor decisions, and sophisticated systems cannot compensate for weak values," she said. – SAnews.gov.za GabiK Mon, 08/03/2026 - 11:13 54

DPWI to handover harbour facilities to Cederberg Local Municipality Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson will on Tuesday hand over the interim management of the Elands Bay slipway and related harbour facilities to the Cederberg Local Municipality. “This will be delivering on a promise he made to the local community during an oversight visit in January this year,” the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said in a statement. Macpherson will be joined by the Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer and the Executive Mayor of Cederberg Local Municipality, Azrial Scheepers. The hand over will be formalised through a Memorandum of Agreement granting Cederberg Local Municipality interim management responsibility for the slipway and related harbour facilities, enabling the municipality to maintain the facilities and undertake approved repairs in support of the local fishing community and SMMEs. – SAnews.gov.za Edwin Mon, 08/03/2026 - 12:18 51

Gina to engage the University of Limpopo on strengthening scientific research on global change Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Dr Nomalungelo Gina will on Tuesday visit the University of Limpopo Centre for Global Change (UL-CGC), a leading research centre advancing sustainability, climate resilience and global change research in South Africa. The UL-CGC is a flagship initiative of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), managed by its entity, the National Research Foundation (NRF). It plays a pivotal role in strengthening research capacity, developing the next generation of scientists, and supporting socio-economic development, particularly in rural communities. “The visit comes as the DSTI concludes the inaugural National Science Month, which has highlighted the vital role of science, technology, and innovation in driving sustainable development, improving lives, and addressing national challenges across the country,” the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation said in a statement. Established under the DSTI's Global Change Grand Challenge, the centre seeks to deepen scientific understanding of global change while developing innovative solutions and technologies to address pressing environmental and societal challenges. “The initiative responds to the growing challenges posed by climate change and other forms of global environmental change, which threaten water resources, biodiversity, food security, human health and livelihoods. “Through locally relevant research, it advances scientific understanding of these challenges towards innovative solutions that strengthen the resilience of ecosystems and communities,” the department said. Launched in 2012 with the universities of Fort Hare, Limpopo and Walter Sisulu being the pioneers, the programme has since expanded to the universities of the Free State's Qwaqwa Campus, North West, Sol Plaatje, Venda and Zululand, taking the network to eight universities to date. The Deputy Minister will engage with university leadership, researchers, students and key stakeholders, such as local farmers and municipalities, to gain firsthand insight into the centre's research and innovation impact and how the work of the centre can be strengthened. – SAnews.gov.za Edwin Mon, 08/03/2026 - 12:27 56

North West welcomes release of withheld equitable share funds North West Finance MEC Kenetswe Mosenogi has welcomed Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's decision to release the remaining withheld Local Government Equitable Share allocations to affected municipalities from 31 July 2026. Mosenogi said the provincial government recognises that the temporary withholding of funds was a corrective measure aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline, accountability and compliance within municipalities. The decision follows the temporary withholding of equitable share transfers to 12 municipalities in the province under Section 216(2) of the Constitution, read together with the applicable provisions of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). By the time the Minister announced the release of the remaining allocations, six of the 12 municipalities had already received their full equitable share. The remaining municipalities, including Madibeng, JB Marks, Matlosana, Mahikeng, Maquassi Hills and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, became eligible to receive their outstanding allocations from Friday. Mosenogi said the provincial government has put in place deliberate measures to support municipalities to meet the conditions set by National Treasury. "We note with appreciation that most municipalities have already received their full or partial equitable share allocations, with the remaining outstanding transfers now scheduled for release this week. "Six municipalities remained on the withholding list because of slow movement in addressing Unauthorised, Irregular, Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure (UIF&WE), as well as a lack of consequence management," Mosenogi said in a statement. The MEC reiterated the provincial government's commitment to restoring stability in local government and ensuring municipalities become financially viable. “It is in our collective interest to fix local government so that communities receive consistent and reliable basic services,” she said. Provincial Treasury, working with the affected municipalities, had already capacitated municipalities with measures meant to ensure that they addressed UIF&WE in line with applicable circulars. The support includes guidance on investigations and governance processes involving municipal councils, Municipal Public Accounts Committees (MPACs) and disciplinary boards, to ensure the implementation of effective consequence management measures. Mosenogi also identified unpaid municipal accounts by government departments and public entities, as one of the key issues that continue to cripple the sufficient functioning of municipalities. She said Provincial Treasury has coordinated an intensive programme involving provincial departments, municipalities, public entities, and other stakeholders to verify outstanding balances, reconcile disputed accounts, facilitate payment arrangements, and improve the credibility of municipal financial information. According to the June 2026 municipal debt reconciliation, the total amount owed by provincial departments to municipalities declined from R1.010 billion reported in the March 2026 Section 71 reports to R893.1 million, representing a decrease of approximately R116.9 million, or 11.6%. Disputed accounts to be resolved by September In line with the Minister's directive, departments have been instructed to settle all undisputed municipal debt immediately, while payment arrangements must be finalised by the end of August 2026. All disputed accounts are expected to be resolved by September 2026. "These interventions have resulted in payments towards outstanding municipal debt, strengthened collaboration between government institutions and municipalities, and the establishment of structured mechanisms to improve debt reconciliation and financial reporting. "The North West Provincial Government has consistently tracked and reported on these payments because the financial health of our municipalities is a shared responsibility," Mosenogi said. While government remains committed to paying all legitimate municipal debt, the MEC stressed that disputed invoices arising from inaccurate municipal billing systems will not be paid until they have been properly reconciled. "We will work with the affected municipalities to resolve those disputes and support them to correct their billing systems so that accounts are accurate and credible.” Provincial Treasury, together with the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs and other stakeholders, will continue providing oversight and support to municipalities to improve financial management and maintain compliance ahead of the December 2026 equitable share allocation. During August, the Provincial Treasury, working with Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, will embark on district-specific government debt reconciliation working sessions with all municipalities. "We call on all municipalities in the province to use these working sessions to reconcile accoun

Over 1 million citizens interacted with the Electoral Commission this weekend The final voter registration weekend on 1 and 2 August saw 1.7 million citizens interacting with the Electoral Commission by either visiting one of the 23 699 registration stations or using the online voter registration portal. “Of the 1.7 million transactions, 291 806 or 16% were persons registering as first time voters,” Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo said. Addressing the media in Pretoria on Monday to give an update on the final voter registration weekend, Mamabolo said an additional 1 502 245 or 84% of persons already registered, inspected and updated their registration details. “This is in line with the message that a voter must register and vote in the voting district within the ward where they reside,” he said. KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest volume of registration transactions at 427 592, followed by the Gauteng with 314 856, while Eastern Cape third with 313 797. “Registration station- based applications continue to be the leading mode of registration with 1 555 318 of the total 1.7 million applications. “Provincially, KwaZulu-Natal comprises the largest number at 386 258 registration station-based activity, followed by Eastern Cape at 295 655 and Gauteng at 228 364. The online portal contributed 238 733 transactions over the two days. “The highest usage of the online voter registration platform was recorded in Gauteng (86 492), followed by KwaZulu-Natal (41 334) and the Western Cape (33 783). Unsurprisingly, these are provinces with highest concentrations of urban populations,” Mamabolo said. He explained that of the total 1.7 million transactions recorded, young people in the age cohort 16 to 29 account for 485 757 or 26%. “Even more encouraging is that 46% of the new registrations are by voter under the age of 29. KwaZulu-Natal again leads with young person’s registration at 137 046, followed by Eastern Cape at 79 417, followed by Gauteng at 78 405. “The total registration activity for the final registration weekend, female voters account for 1 005 790, representing 56% of total activity, while male voters account for 788 261or 44% of total activity. This is consistent with the well-established trend of there being more females than males on the voter’s roll. Of the 291 806 new registrations 50% are female,” he said. Mamabolo said the combined impact of the two voter registration weekend drives resulted in close to 4.7 million interactions with voters (4 666 547) compared to the 1.7 million transactions recorded during the comparable 2021 Local Government Elections with one registration weekend due to the COVID-19 reduced election timetable. Collectively, the two voter registration weekends held in June and August 2026 contributed 754 332 new voters, adding to the continued growth of the voters’ roll ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections. – SAnews.gov.za Edwin Mon, 08/03/2026 - 13:34 92

Relief at the pumps this August Motorists will breathe a sigh of relief at the pumps this August as both grades of petrol will decrease by 52 cents a litre with effect from Wednesday. In a statement on Monday, the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, announced the adjustment of fuel prices based on current local and international factors with effect from 5 August 2026. From Wednesday, a litre of 95 and 93 (LRP & ULP) will come down by 52 cents a litre. This means that a litre of 95 petrol, which currently costs R26.10 in Gauteng, will now cost R25.58 a litre as of Wednesday. In the coast, a litre of 95, which costs 25.23 a litre, will cost 24.71 a litre as of Wednesday. The price of Diesel (0.05% sulphur) will increase by R 1.38 per litre while the price of Diesel (0.005% sulphur) will increase by R1.23 per litre. The price of Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale) will increase by R1.52 cents a litre. Meanwhile, the Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin will increase by R2.03 and the Maximum Retail Price of LPGas will decrease by R4.41 cents per kilogram and R5.03 in the Western Cape. "The average Brent Crude oil price decreased from 86.53 US Dollars (USD) to 82.37 USD during the period under review. The impact of renewed US/Iran tensions which caused the price to increase up to a $100 mark, was offset by the fact that the prices had already decreased significantly the previous month and the first half of this month due to the ceasefire MOU [Memorandum of Understanding] between the US and Iran as well as lower global demand for crude oil,” said the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. In addition, the department said the average international product prices of petrol decreased during the period under review, while the prices of diesel and illuminating paraffin increased due to supply shortages caused by the Russia/Ukraine conflict, which resulted in diesel export restrictions by Russia. “The situation was compounded by the Middle East Refineries that were operating below capacity,” said the department, adding that these factors led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices (BFP) of petrol. - SAnews.gov.za Neo Mon, 08/03/2026 - 13:36 262