South Africa

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has welcomed the heavy sentences handed to the accused in various sexual offences cases in the Eastern Cape over the course of the year.

Despite the well-documented deficiencies plaguing the country’s local government, President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that the sphere cannot be allowed to fail.

Deputy President David Mabuza says the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative and cumulative effect on the mandate of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC).

Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza has announced that the country is currently experiencing outbreaks of locusts in the Free State, Northern Cape and Western Cape.

Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Fikile Majola is satisfied at the level of readiness by the West Rand District Municipality for the implementation of the District Development Model (DDM).

The Coronavirus continues to spread in South Africa as cases jumped to 796 472 after 4 173 people were confirmed to have contracted the virus on Wednesday.

The Department of Water and Sanitation has urged residents of KwaZulu-Natal to use water sparingly, as it continues to implement bulk water supply projects in various parts of the province.

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, has called for the introduction of volunteer exchange programmes for youth.

Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga, has invited the public to join the National Reading Coalition’s first virtual book club reading session, which will be launched on 14 December 2020.

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa has called on South Africans to unite in confronting racism, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and other intolerances such as tribalism and anti-foreigner sentiments.

Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi has been announced as the new Gauteng MEC for Health.

Former deputy Hawks head in KwaZulu-Natal, Simon Mzayifani Madonsela, has been sentenced to eight year imprisonment after he was found guilty on two counts of corruption.

Police in the North West have mobilised the 72-hour activation plan to find the suspects behind the killing of a 36-year-old sergeant. 

Justice Minister Ronald Lamola has announced an increase in regional courts that will adjudicate civil disputes as of December 2020.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences to the Royal Bafokeng nation on the passing of Mohumagadi (Queen Mother), Dr Semane Bonolo Molotlegi.