Statement on the Cabinet meeting of 29 October 2025

A.    Issues in the environment

1.    Sport and Social Cohesion

1.1.    Proteas Women's Cricket Team advances to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup finals
1.1.1.    Cabinet congratulated the South African Women's National Cricket Team for their splendid performance and making history by advancing to their first ever ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 final. Their performance was electrifying, and they have established themselves as contenders on the global stage.
1.1.2.    Cabinet wished them well as they prepare for the final and called on all South Africans to rally behind our team as they attempt to make history by winning the first ever ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. Cabinet is pleased that the year 2025 has been the best for the South African national cricket teams with the men’s national team having won the ICC Test Championship final while the women’s team has reached the ODI World Cup final.

2.    Economy

2.1.    South Africa exits Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist
2.1.1.    Cabinet welcomed the official removal of South Africa from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist. The decision follows the successful completion of all 22 action items by June 2025 and a positive outcome from the FATF’s on-site assessment in July, which confirmed that South Africa’s reforms to strengthen its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems are both effective and sustainable.
2.1.2.    Cabinet commended the sterling and coordinated work of the inter-departmental team of National Treasury, State Security Agency, National Prosecuting Authority and Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, for the measures put in place to counter and prosecute terrorism and terror-financing.
2.1.3.    The greylisting milestone ends a two-year period of heightened monitoring since the country’s greylisting in 2023. This demonstrates South Africa’s commitment to the rule of law, strengthening key institutions, and improving enforcement and governance processes.
2.1.4.    The de-listing is expected to improve business confidence, strengthen financial system, reduce the cost of borrowing, contribute to the integrity of our economy, increase appetite for more investments and creation of jobs. Furthermore, the de-listing will ease illicit cross-border financial transactions and reinforce South Africa’s reputation as a reliable and compliant player in the international financial system.

2.2.    Improvement of operational efficiencies at SA ports
2.2.1.    Cabinet welcomed the unveiling of new Ship-to-Shore cranes at the Durban Container Terminal Pier 2, which forms part of Transnet Port Terminals’ R4 billion Fleet Renewal Programme.
2.2.2.    Transnet manages the country's freight logistics by operating its ports, railways and pipelines, which are crucial for economic growth. Its role includes moving bulk and container goods, providing integrated and efficient transport services and ensuring its infrastructure operates at world-class standard. By providing reliable and efficient freight services, Transnet aims to boost South Africa's competitiveness, reduce the cost of doing business and support the country's economic growth.
2.2.3.    The new cranes will contribute to greater supply chain reliability, improve operational efficiency, enhance cargo-handling capacity and competitiveness, lower costs for exporters and importers and increase trade efficiency – ultimately supporting economic growth, industrial development and job creation. Cabinet reaffirmed government’s commitment to modernise South Africa’s logistics and port infrastructure to ensure a resilient and globally competitive freight system.

3.    Social and human development

3.1.    National Senior Certificate exams
3.1.1.    Cabinet welcomes the smooth start of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, where more than 900 000 candidates across the country are writing. The systems put in place by the Department of Basic Education ensures the credible and secure administration of the exams.
3.1.2.    Cabinet urges parents and guardians to continue supporting learners during this period by creating a calm, quiet environment for them to study and monitor their anxiety levels until the release of the final results in January 2026. These young people represent the future of our nation, and they must know that we remain proud of them.

3.2.    Bullying in schools
3.2.1.    Cabinet notes with concern, recent reports on incidents of bullying that occurred at various schools. Bullying in schools is an extremely serious matter; and it is the responsibility of everyone to ensure that our schools are safe and welcoming places of learning.
3.2.2.    Cabinet calls on all schools to take allegations of bullying, violence and harassment seriously and to investigate them. Learners are encouraged to report incidents of bullying and harassment to principals, educators, parents and guardians.
3.2.3.    Cabinet reaffirms that schools must adhere to the National School Safety Framework, which provides guidance on addressing violence, including bullying. There is also a need for schools to stringently enforce Learner Codes of Conduct that include clear expectations for behaviour and consequences for bullying.

4.    International relations

4.1.    State working visits and international engagements
4.1.1.    President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded a successful three-nation state visit to Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia; and another one to Switzerland. Such international engagements aim to strengthen South Africa’s bilateral relations with partner countries; particularly on expanding trade, investment and strategic cooperation. The three-nation state visit to Asia forms part of efforts to establish free trade agreements that will propel South Africa’s drive to diversify its markets.
4.1.2.    South-east Asian trade with South Africa is relatively low and amounts to between 22 and 25 billion dollars. During the visits, the three countries agreed on the need to increase trade and investment between the countries.
4.1.3.    South Africa exports products such as coal, fruit and a number of agricultural products to some Asian countries, which creates an opportunity to expand trade and exports.
4.1.4.    The last leg of these international engagements concluded with a successful state visit to Switzerland. The visit strengthened political, economic and social ties and advanced mutually beneficial cooperation in areas of trade and investment, skills development and science and innovation.

5.    SA-Türkiye relations

5.1.    Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s working visit to Türkiye during October 2025 has further strengthened relations between the two countries. During the visit, he co-chaired the inaugural Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the two countries. The BNC was convened in accordance with a 2012 agreement that established the commission, which is to be co-chaired at Deputy President and Vice-President levels, respectively.

5.2.    The discussions concluded with a signing ceremony for several agreements, which included the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) and MoUs in the fields of higher education and training, as well as cooperation regarding special economic and free zones.

6.    G20

6.1.    Cabinet is pleased that South Africa’s preparations to host a successful G20 Leader’s Summit from 22 to 23 November are at an advanced stage, and is confident that our country will host a successful summit.

6.2.    The summit is expected to stimulate significant economic activity through increased demand for goods, services, infrastructure and logistics; creating jobs and boosting local business revenues. Furthermore, thousands of international delegates, media and visitors will showcase South Africa’s attractions to the world, driving long-term growth in the tourism sector. Our G20 Presidency is already bolstering the country’s tourism sector, with 100 out of 132 official meetings, having already been held across the country since 1 November 2024.

6.3.    In the run-up to the summit, a G20 Social Summit scheduled for 18 to 20 November 2025, to integrate civil society voices into the G20 decision-making process foster global solidarity, advance inclusive development and deliver a declaration that reflects the aspirations and lived realities of citizens.

6.4.    South Africa is using its G20 Presidency to respond to complex challenges facing the world and fostering consensus on various issues. Our priorities are to strengthen disaster resilience and response, ensure debt sustainability for developing economies, mobilise finance for a just energy transition and use critical minerals for inclusive growth.

6.5.    We look forward to welcoming our esteemed guests at the G20 Leaders’ Summit and for a smooth handover of the G20 Presidency to the United States of America.

B.    Cabinet decisions

1.    2025 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals

1.1.    Cabinet has approved the 2025 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals for tabling before Parliament. The fiscal framework is a key component of the annual national budget. The Fiscal Framework is for a specific financial year and gives effect to the national executive’s macro-economic policy. It includes a range of issues, such as estimates of all revenue (budgetary and extra-budgetary specified separately) expected to be raised during that financial year and forecasts of borrowing for that financial year.

1.2.    The Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, will table the MTBPS in Parliament on 12 November 2025 at 2pm.

2.    SA assume interim leadership of SADC 

2.1.    Cabinet has approved the request from the Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Mr Elias Mpedi for South Africa to assume interim leadership of SADC due to the recent political developments in Madagascar. This includes hosting all SADC meetings scheduled from November 2025 and South Africa is expected to assume interim responsibilities until the Summit makes a formal determination.

2.2.    This request is in line with Articles 9A(2)(b) and 10(4) of the SADC Treaty which states that when a sitting Chair is unable to fulfil its duties, the incoming Chairperson should resume interim responsibilities until the Summit decides.   

2.3.    An Inter-Ministerial Committee will be established to guide, coordinate, and monitor preparations and execution of South Africa’s interim SADC Chairship responsibilities.

3.    Policy on Social Development Services to Persons with Disabilities 

3.1.    The policy was sent back for costing for Minister of Social Development to consult with the Minister of Finance.

4.    8th Annual Progress Report (2023 – 2024) on the implementation of the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (WPRPD)

4.1.    Cabinet approved the 8th Progress Report on the implementation of the WPRPD, with its recommendations. The report reflects contributions from national and provincial government departments during the 2023 – 2024 reporting period. It provides updates on the interventions that have been put in place to remove barriers to access for persons with disabilities.

4.2.    It outlines key interventions aimed at removing barriers to access for persons with disabilities. These include public awareness campaigns, infrastructure upgrades to improve accessibility, accessible transport solutions and inclusive communication strategies. At least 30 national government departments and six offices of the Premier contributed to the report, which has been approved for gazetting and public release by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. The report is accessible on www.dwypd.gov.za.

C.    Appointments

All appointments are subject to verification of qualifications and relevant security clearances.

1.    Mr Livhuwani Tommy Makhonde as Director General at the Department of Home Affairs (extension of contract) 
2.    Dr Mbulelo Nokwequ as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Metrology Institute of South Africa. 
3.    Mr Mpumelelo Maseko as Non-Executive Director on the Board of Public Investment Corporation.

4.    Board of Directors of SASRIA 
(i)    Dr Nolwandle Mgoqi-Mbalo (re-appointment);
(ii)    Mr Reginal Haman (re-appointment);
(iii)    Ms Margaret Phiri (reappointment); 
(iv)    Mr Shafee Verachia;
(v)    Ms Noxolo Abraham;
(vi)    Ms Nomusa Mufamadi;
(vii)    Mr Afika Selemane;
(viii)    Mr Nkhumeleni Musekwa;
(ix)    Ms Vuyelwa Matsiliza; 
(x)    Ms Mmabatho Sukati; and 
(xi)    Mr Dirkse Kunz

5.    Directors to the Board of Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) (As previously communicated)

(i)    Mr. Randall Howard (Chairperson);
(ii)    Ms Loyiso Kula 
(iii)    Adv. Adila Chowan (re-appointment);
(iv)    Ms. Keitumetse Mahlangu;
(v)    Ms. Yongama Pamla-Dhludhlu;
(vi)    Dr. Dineo Penelope Mathibedi;
(vii)    Ms. Zandile Kabini; and
(viii)    Mr. Dave Jackson Moswane

6.    Members of the Construction Industry Development Board 
(a)    Mr Khulile Nzo; (Chairperson);
(b)    Prof. Susanna Bouillon (Deputy Chairperson);
(c)    Ms Yvonne Mbane;
(d)    Dr Karabo Siyila;
(e)    Mr Johan van der Walt;
(f)    Dr Deenadayalen Konar;
(g)    Dr Julia Petla;
(h)    Ms Thembisa Jimana; and 
(i)    Dr Elizabeth Makgae

D.    Updates to Cabinet

1.    Plans to address sanitation and sewage pollution

1.1.    Cabinet received a briefing from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) on long-term plans to address sanitation and sewage pollution challenges faced by several municipalities.

1.2.    The revised Compulsory National Water and Sanitation Services Standards Gazette by the DWS on 6 June 2025, has already created an enabling environment for the implementation of water efficient sanitation systems across the country.

1.3.    These regulations outlaw new connections to overloaded wastewater treatment works. This means that municipalities may not approve new and additional bulk user connections to an existing water or wastewater treatment system, unless that system has the capacity to deal with the additional load.

1.4.    Furthermore, the Water Services Amendment Bill will give the Minister of Water and Sanitation stronger enforcement powers for the norms and standards.

E.    Upcoming events

1.    Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria – 8th Replenishment Summit

1.1    Cabinet approved the hosting of the Global Fund’s 8th Replenishment Summit to be held on 21 November 2025 in Johannesburg. The summit, co-hosted by South Africa and the United Kingdom in partnership with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria, will take place on the margins of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. This gathering is a pivotal opportunity to mobilise global commitment and resources to accelerate the fight to end HIV and AIDS, TB and malaria.

1.2    The summit will convene Heads of State and government, civil society, communities, multilateral and bilateral partners and the private sector, to secure the investments needed to expand life-saving health programmes. Discussions at the summit are expected to assist in strengthening resilient and sustainable health systems, which are pivotal in building a healthier, safer future for all.

F.    Messages

1.    Condolences

Cabinet expressed condolences to the family and friends of:

• Radio legend, Reverend Abel Sello Phiri, whose voice comforted and inspired generations through his afternoon shows at Motsweding FM.
• Cabinet expressed condolences to the bereaved families and friends who lost their loved ones following two separate road accidents that claimed 15 lives this week. A crash between a minibus taxi and a bakkie in Bassonia, Gauteng claimed seven lives while another collision between a minibus taxi and a truck on the N3 highway between Van Reenen’s Pass and Montrose in the Free State claimed eight.
• Tshiamo and Baleseng Moramaga, two cousins who were brutally murdered in Mamelodi East. A 38-year-old suspect who was arrested in connection with the two senseless murders made his first appearance in the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Wednesday).

2.    Congratulations

Cabinet extended its congratulations and well wishes to:

• Qhawekazi Mazaleni for winning Miss SA 2025; and wished her well in her new responsibilities.  
• Cabinet resolved to congratulate the President on receiving or confirming the honorary doctorate degree Conferred by University of Malaya.
• Melissa Nayimuli for being crowned Miss Universe South Africa and she will represent South Africa at the global Miss Universe competition in Thailand.
• Cabinet has congratulated the National School of Government for the successful delivery of the Economic Governance School for public service leaders, in Nairobi Kenya, in partnership with the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and the Kenya School of Government (KSG), from 27-30 October 2025. The programme is attended by members of parliament, members of the national executive, heads of department and academics from South Africa, Ghana and Kenya. The Economic Governance programme was approved by Cabinet in August 2020 and is designed to strengthen leadership, research and policy dialogue on economic governance issues at the executive and senior management level in government.

Media enquiries: 
Mr Sandile Nene – Acting Government Spokesperson
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