Edition December 2025 / January 2026

As we come to the end of 2025, I extend my sincere appreciation to all public sector leaders and officials for your unwavering dedication to serving our nation. Your resilience and commitment have been instrumental in advancing the South African Government’s mandate during a year marked by progress as we also going to refocus to resolve remaining challenges. 

I am deeply grateful for the opportunities, challenges, and collaborations that have shaped our journey. Every experience has been a reminder of the power of purpose and the impact of collective effort.

One of the most notable achievements was South Africa’s successful G20 Presidency. 

Through the G20 Public Participation Programme, led by the Government Communication and Information System, we executed bold steps to make President Cyril Ramaphosa’s vision of a truly People’s G20 a reality. This was not just about informing communities – it was about engaging them, listening to their voices and ensuring their aspirations shape the global agenda.

Hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit was no small feat; it required months of preparation, coordination across multiple working groups and tireless effort from officials. Your professionalism ensured that South Africa delivered a world-class summit and helped shape global discussions. This highlights the calibre of leadership and dedication within the Public Service.

This year also marked a historic moment when gender-based violence and femicide has been classified as a national disaster. This bold step underscores the urgency consolidating the whole of society’s efforts, enhance collaboration and integration in addressing one of the most pervasive human rights violations in our society. As public servants, we have a moral and constitutional duty to ensure that this declaration translates into tangible action.

As we reflect on this year, we celebrate the progress we have made together and acknowledge that challenges that remain need our collective efforts to resolve them. Some moments have reminded us of the importance of integrity and the trust placed in us by the public. These experiences, while difficult, have strengthened our resolve to lead with transparency, accountability and unwavering ethical standards.

International Anti-Corruption Day, observed yearly on 9 December, is a powerful reminder of the values that define us. It calls on all of us to remain vigilant and committed to ethical leadership. Our government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, reinforced by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s words in his inaugural 2018 State of the Nation Address – “we are determined to build a society defined by decency and integrity that does not tolerate the plunder of public resources”. Ensuring an ethical, capable and development state remains a key priority of our government. 

December is also a month where we remind ourselves that reconciliation in our nation is pivotal, it is a time to reflect on our shared history and renew our commitment to building a united and inclusive society. This is a responsibility we carry in our daily work. Let us lead by example, fostering dialogue and promoting social cohesion wherever we serve.

We also observe World AIDS Day, a reminder of the ongoing fight against HIV,  AIDS and TB. Public servants play a vital role in ensuring that prevention, treatment and awareness reach every community. Your efforts save lives and they matter deeply.

The new year brings another critical responsibility: the 2026/27 Local Government Elections. These elections are foundational to our democracy. As public servants, we have a duty to ensure that citizens are informed, empowered and confident in exercising their right to vote. Government communicators, in particular, will play a pivotal role in ensuring that accurate, accessible and timely information reaches every community. 

One of the most pressing challenges is youth apathy towards democratic participation. Too many young people feel disconnected. This is a call to action for all of us: to engage, to listen, and to communicate in ways that resonate with youth, who are our future leaders. Elections are critical in strengthening our democracy and, therefore, to ensure a continued democratic South Africa, we need a youth that understands how this democracy was attained, why democracy is important, that elections are part of the platforms that exist to strengthen our democracy and why their voices through the ballot matter.

Before we step into these responsibilities, I encourage you to take a well-deserved break. Spend time with your loved ones, recharge and return ready to lead with purpose. Our jobs demand our best: our integrity, our leadership and our shared commitment to service. Together, let us continue to serve with excellence and purpose.

Looking ahead to 2026, we embrace the opportunity to rebuild trust and deepen our impact. Every challenge is a chance to grow, and every success is a foundation for greater service. Together, we will continue to innovate, collaborate and uphold the values that define a truly responsive and ethical public service. To the Christian community, I wish you a Merry Christmas. I wish everyone of you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year. Thank you for your steadfast commitment to our nation.