South Africa

Minister of Minerals and Petroleum, Gwede Mantashe, says gas and oil exploration is critical for the future of South Africa’s economy.

Government leaders have expressed their heartfelt condolences to the families of six firefighters who died while battling a runaway fire which engulfed a farm in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands on Sunday.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement to turn South Africa into a construction site through increased infrastructure investment and support for Infrastructure South Africa.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor Gary van Niekerk says he is satisfied with the process made to electrify temporary houses in Walmer, Gqeberha, where flood affected families will be relocated.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has signed Acknowledgement of Debt (AoD) agreements with 421 students who did not qualify to be funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

Ministers responsible for some of the key portfolios in the Government of National Unity (GNU) have welcomed the renewed focus on some crucial areas of service delivery, as the work that lies ahead for the seventh administration was brought into sharp focus on Thursday evening.

As South Africa grapples with high poverty levels and the cost of living, the Government of National Unity (GNU) will look to expand the range of essential food items exempt from value-added tax (VAT).

President Cyril Ramaphosa has touted South Africa’s “renewable energy revolution” as one that will foster “significant growth and job creation in the next decade and beyond”.

Equitable, accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare, will be high on the agenda of the seventh administration, over the next five years.

Just as friends and families often pull together to ensure a roof over the heads of their loved ones, or their general well-being, President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed to the larger South African family to behave as weaver birds who give their all to build and cooperate.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured South Africans that the parties in the Government of National Unity have committed to putting the wishes of the citizens first and driving the country forward with “great urgency” to grow an economy for all.

Cabinet will be convening a further strategy session to consider the Medium-Term Development Plan, which will translate the Government of National Unity priorities into a detailed plan and interventions that government will implement over the next five years.

The Government of National Unity has committed to proceeding with the work already underway to professionalise the public service as well as ensure that government attracts into the state people with skills, capabilities and integrity.

A heightened focus on the use of modern technology to help with crime prevention efforts will continue to be a key priority of the seventh administration.

To achieve rapid and inclusive growth, South Africa must address struggling municipalities and appoint qualified professionals to top positions.