On 19 October 2025, South Africa will commemorate Black Wednesday, also known as National Press Freedom Day. The National Press Freedom Day marks 48 years since the historic events of Black Wednesday in 1977, a day that forever changed the landscape of South African journalism.
A. Issues in the Environment
Government wishes to update South Africans and the international community about the details for the Special Official Funeral of the late Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa as follows:
1. Funeral Service
The late Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 as declared by President Ramaphosa on the 8th of October 2025.
Category 2 entail ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service.
Government has noted the ongoing operations by law enforcement agencies and the subsequent public interest they have generated.
These operations fall within the normal scope of their mandate to investigate matters and recover assets. The public is reminded that such activities are a standard and essential part of government’s fight against corruption, ensuring accountability and upholding the rule of law.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli will on the 14 October 2025, host a G20 dialogue with students at the Motheo TVET College in Bloemfontein, Free State province.
The dialogue forms part of year-long G20 awareness outreach programme implemented by Government Communications and Information System in partnership with different stakeholders across the country which among others include civil society, traditional leadership, business, and academia.
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) invite members of the media who wish to cover the Special Official Funeral of the Late South Africa’s Ambassador to the Republic of France, Nathi Mthethwa to apply for media accreditation.
Applicants are advised to complete the online accreditation form accessible through this link: https://mrs.gcis.gov.za/?q=Mthethwa-official-funeral . The closing date is Friday, 10 October 2025 at 14h00.
Government condemns in the strongest possible terms any form of physical or verbal attack directed at police officers or any law enforcement officers. Such actions are not only criminal and punishable by law, but they also endanger the very individuals sworn to protect communities and uphold public safety.
Government, in partnership with stakeholders across law enforcement, civil society, and the private sector, hosted a webinar on Cybersecurity Awareness and Responsible Use of Online Platforms as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The webinar brought together experts to empower South Africans with knowledge and tools to protect themselves online.
Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) will on Thursday, 02 October 2025 host a webinar on cyber security awareness and the responsible use of online platforms to mark Cybersecurity Awareness Month, under the 2025 theme: “Secure Our World”.
The webinar aims to empower the public with practical tools that will enable them to use online platforms responsibly and to protect themselves against any possible dangers that may arise while using the platforms.
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) will, on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, facilitate a photo-opportunity, and a doorstop briefing by Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on the sidelines of the Cabinet Lekgotla.
Members of the media who wish to cover the sessions are requested to email their details to Vanessam@gcis.gov.za by 15h00 on Friday, 26th September 2025.
Full details of the photo opportunity and doorstop briefing are:
Date: Tuesday, 30 September 2025
