South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile convened the National Dialogue Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) this week to review the readiness report in preparation for the upcoming National Convention.

The convention is scheduled to take place at UNISA’s Muckleneuk Campus in Pretoria from 15 - 16 August 2025.

The Deputy President chairs the IMC, which comprises government departments, to coordinate the State’s contribution towards the National Convention and the National Dialogue. 

With the country today hosting the first National Convention that will lay the groundwork and set the agenda for the National Dialogue, South Africans are being urged to make use of the “historic” opportunity it provides.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has announced that President Cyril Ramaphosa will send a delegation to the White House to discuss trade tariffs with United States President Donald Trump’s administration.

The National Convention Organising Committee says its all systems go for the National Convention, which kicks of tomorrow at the University of South Africa (Unisa) main campus.

The Deputy Minister of Finance, Ashor Sarupen, has reflected on the importance of policy reforms in South Africa - considering the critical role they play in unlocking economic potential and improving service delivery.

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, will speak at a Women’s Day event at the Elangeni Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College in Durban on Friday.

Through the Eskom Development Foundation, Eskom has partnered with the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) to assist 3 668 beneficiaries across 501 Eastern Cape households affected recent extreme weather conditions.

The Western Cape Mobility Department is deeply concerned about a significant rise in road fatalities during the first 11 days of August 2025. 

In this period, the provincial department said 52 people have lost their lives, compared to 28 fatalities in the same timeframe last year.

According to the department, fatalities have occurred across urban and rural areas. 

There were 37 deaths on municipal roads, with 15 more recorded on provincial routes. Meanwhile, the pedestrians remain the most vulnerable, with 28 fatalities. 

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has clarified that any statements made by individuals or departments that are not responsible for foreign policy should not be considered the official stance of the South African Government.

This is after media reports have surfaced regarding comments made by the Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), General Rudzani Maphwanya, during a visit to Iran. 

By Morapedi Sibeko

As per Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), population trends: "are never just numbers; they reflect the shifting values, aspirations, and challenges of society at a given moment."