Government saddened by the passing of Rafiq Rohan

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of a distinguished South African, veteran editor Rafiq Rohan.

Rohan passed away yesterday, 26 February 2023, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province.

Rohan was a renowned journalist and a former South African political prisoner on Robben Island who played a significant role in the attainment of our democracy.

Social Cluster media briefing statement co-chaired by the Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla and Mrs Angie Motshekga, the Minister of Basic Education

Good morning and thank you for your time.

As you know, this briefing comes on the back of President Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address delivered earlier this month.

Government congratulates the Women’s cricket team for reaching the finals of the T20 World Cup. The South African team beat England by six runs to reach the T20 World Cup final.

Government hosts post SONA media briefing of the Social Protection, Community and Human Development Cluster

Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) will, on Sunday, 26 February 2023, host a media briefing of the Social Protection, Community and Human Development Cluster led by Ministers of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla and Basic Education, Angie Motshekga. 

Following the delivery of the 2023 State of the Nation Address (SoNA), the briefing will outline areas that President Ramaphosa mentioned in his speech related to departments in the cluster.

Government Communication and Information System will host weekly virtual media briefing to provide updates on the implementation of the energy action plan. The media briefing will be held as follows:

Date: Friday, 24 February 2023
Time: 14h00

Platform: ZOOM  
Please click the link below to join: 
https://gcis.zoom.us/j/96677849807?pwd=aXp4TUdYOVh1djdvVXZOQjhKS1ZpZz09

Webinar ID: 966 7784 9807

Passcode: 960110

Government is resolute to resolve the country’s energy challenge

The efforts to stabilise Eskom and rebuild generation capability through the interventions outlined in the Energy Action Plan are starting to come to fruition, despite challenges.

Some of the key interventions underway to turnaround our energy challenge include Eskom receiving approval to be exempted from the new generation regulations. This will allow the utility to undertake emergency procurement as well as a number of other urgent interventions.

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in collaboration with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) will host a discussion on the 2023 State of the Nation Address (SONA) during a Twitter Spaces scheduled for Thursday, 16th February 2023.  

The Spaces themed: #YouthVoicesMatter will unpack issues related to youth unemployment and empowerment as raised in the 2023 SONA. In addition, the Space offers an opportunity for the youth to express their views and exchange ideas regarding the State of the Nation Address and those issues affecting them. 

Government update on implementation of the Energy Action Plan

Government Communication and Information System will host weekly updates on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan.  The first update will be in the form of a virtual media briefing to be held as follows:

Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) invites members of the media to the 2023 SADC Media Awards Competition Webinar taking place on Tuesday, 21 February 2023 at 11h00.

The awards aim to recognize excellence in journalism in the area of print, photojournalism, television and radio as well as to encourage media practitioners in member states to cover issues pertaining to the region for the promotion of regional integration and cooperation.

A. Issues in the environment

1. State of the Nation Address (SoNA)

1.1. Cabinet reaffirmed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s clarion call made in his 2023 State of the Nation Address for all South Africans to work together and leave no one behind as we tackle our country’s pressing challenges.

1.2. The President’s bold measures put energy at the forefront of government’s plan of action for the year to deal decisively with load-shedding and secure a sustainable energy supply.