President Cyril Ramaphosa has determined salary increases for public office-bearers, with effect from 1 April 2026, following recommendations by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers. According to a statement issued on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, the Commission had recommended a 4.1% salary increase for all public office-bearers. After considering the recommendations and their impact on the state’s finances, President Ramaphosa approved differentiated increases of 4.1% and 3.8% across various categories of office-bearers. Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to the…

The appointment of Advocate Andy Mothibi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) has drawn strong and divergent reactions from political parties, with the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) both raising serious concerns about the process and expectations surrounding his tenure. Advocate Mothibi, who currently heads the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), is set to assume office on 1 February following his appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa. He will replace outgoing NDPP Advocate Shamila…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Advocate Andy Mothibi as South Africa’s new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), with effect from 1 February 2026. Advocate Mothibi will replace outgoing NDPP Advocate Shamila Batohi, whose term of office comes to an end at the end of January. The appointment was announced by the Presidency on Tuesday night, in accordance with section 179(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, read together with section 10 of the National Prosecuting Authority…

Pressure is rising on the Constitutional Court as political parties and civil society intensify calls for the release of the long-awaited judgment on the Phala Phala matter involving President Cyril Ramaphosa. On Friday, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) added force to the national debate by leading a large march to the Constitutional Court, demanding that the court deliver its ruling more than a year after hearing the case. The march began at Mary Fitzgerald Square, where EFF members and supporters…

Indonesia and the Republic of South Africa agreed on the mutual abolition of visas. The new entry procedure was announced by Vice President of Indonesia Gibran Rakabuming Raka at a business forum in Johannesburg, ANTARA reported. The agreement was the outcome of the October talks between the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto and his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa in Jakarta. As the vice president noted, this step reflects the growing partnership between the states. “President Ramaphosa’s visit to Indonesia…

President Cyril Ramaphosa used the Global Citizen Scaling Up Renewables in Africa gathering in Johannesburg on Friday to call for sustained global support to expand clean energy access across the continent. The event took place on the eve of the G20 Leaders Summit and marked the close of a year-long effort focused on accelerating renewable energy projects in African countries. Ramaphosa delivered opening remarks before an audience that included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Irish Prime Minister Micheal…

European Council President António Costa has praised South Africa for what he described as strong leadership and remarkable progress in advancing commitments made during the Cape Town summit eight months ago. Costa spoke in Johannesburg on Thursday during a press briefing held after a meeting between European Union leaders President Ursula von der Leyen and President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of the G20 summit. Costa said the South African government had shown firm dedication to meeting its partnership responsibilities. “It is…

Amnesty International South Africa has urged world leaders attending the G20 Summit to prioritise principled leadership and human rights in response to multiple global crises. The organisation highlighted ongoing conflicts, including the situation in Gaza and Sudan, alongside domestic challenges such as climate change and gender-based violence. “From embracing increasingly authoritarian practices to waging wars that devastate the lives of countless civilians, an alarming number of world leaders are dragging humanity down an extremely dangerous path,” said Shenilla Mohamed, Executive…

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has issued a strong statement rejecting the upcoming G20 Summit and criticising the administration of President Cyril Ramaphosa. The party on Wednesday evening said the gathering of global leaders will not meaningfully address the challenges facing South Africans who continue to experience worsening socio-economic conditions. The party said South Africa is falling behind on several development indicators linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These include poverty reduction, access to quality education, decent work, sustainable…

Russian President Vladimir Putin held telephone conversations with his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa and Brazilian leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. This is reported by the official website of the Russian President. The Russian Head of state discussed international issues with the presidents of Brazil and South Africa. In addition, the leaders of South Africa and Russia confirmed their mutual commitment to further developing a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and close cooperation in multilateral forums. Putin and Ramaphosa last…