Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Kenny Morolong says citizen engagement remains central to the work of The Presidency through both mediated and unmediated platforms.

“The GCIS and its entities, Brand SA and Media Development and Diversity Agency, are therefore fully poised to support this engagement programme,” Morolong said.

Speaking during The Presidency Budget Vote in Cape Town on Tuesday, Morolong said the GCIS is mandated to communicate the broad programme of government and empower citizens through disseminating crucial information. 

“In keeping with this mandate, Cabinet has approved the National Communications Strategic Framework to be driven by the GCIS through the entire system of government,” Morolong said.

The National Communication Strategic Framework (NCSF) calls for a more coherent, citizen-centred and development-oriented government communication system.

“The NCSF positions communication not as an afterthought to delivery, but a strategic instrument for building trust, taking South Africans into confidence and ensuring that a coherent message is communicated across all spheres of government,” he said.

 Morolong explained that as a department reporting to The Presidency, this work is done with the full support of the Ministry.

“In this regard, we have started a series of consultations with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and various provincial governments to socialise this national policy and align it for provincial implementation.

“We have already engaged with the North West province. The Free State is scheduled for next week and plans to engage Mpumalanga and others is continuing apace,” Morolong said.

Brand South Africa, meanwhile, ensures that South African products are bought abroad, that investors do invest in South Africa, tourists visit South African shores and foreign students choose South African universities.

“Brand SA is a custodian of our nation brand, mandated to promote our national reputation globally and domestically. 

“Brand SA will only achieve this important task through nation brand alignment with all stakeholders both in the public and private sectors, so that we all understand that our actions can either be brand enablers or disablers,” he said.

The MDDA is mandated to ensure diversified ownership of media platforms and consumption of media products curated by community and grassroots media platforms in their local languages. 

“The MDDA’s grant and seed funding programme supports the sustainability, growth and development of community media through both capital and operational investments,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

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Government has welcomed the drop in diesel prices of between R2.62 and R3.25 per litre, effective Wednesday.

While motorists who use petrol will pay R1.43 more per litre at the pumps for both grades, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said the fuel levy relief announced by National Treasury will help cushion consumers from the full impact of fuel price pressures.

The general fuel levy relief has been reduced by R1.50 per litre for petrol and R1.96 per litre for diesel.

“The decrease in the price of diesel will provide some relief to consumers, businesses and the transport sector at a time when many South Africans continue to face significant financial pressure.

“The reduction in diesel costs is a positive development for sectors that rely heavily on transport and daily operations, offering some support to economic activity and business sustainability,” Government said.

The GCIS acknowledged that the increase in petrol prices comes at a difficult time for many households already affected by the broader rising cost of living.

“During these challenging economic conditions, consumers are encouraged to manage expenditure cautiously, prioritise essential spending, and explore practical cost-saving measures such as fuel-efficient travel and budgeting.

“While the current environment remains difficult, every measure that brings relief to consumers and supports economic stability is important,” the GCIS said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Residents of Pacaltsdorp and surrounding communities will have an opportunity to access a range of essential government services when the Thusong Outreach Programme visits George Municipality.

The initiative, led by the Western Cape Department of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, forms part of government’s ongoing commitment to bring services closer to communities and improve access to support, particularly for vulnerable residents.

The outreach programme aims to reduce barriers that often prevent people from accessing government services, including long travel distances, limited information, and other socio-economic challenges.

The two-day outreach, taking place at Pacaltsdorp Community Hall on 10 and 11 June 2026, will see community members receive assistance with social grant applications and registrations, identity document and other official document applications, health screenings, as well as job-seeking and employment support services.

Community members will also have the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from various government departments.

The department said the interaction is intended to help improve communication while improving service delivery.

“This will help improve communication [between government and citizens] and ensure better service delivery,” the department said.

The Thusong Service Centres have been at the forefront of government efforts to bring its service closer to the people, particularly those in historically disadvantaged communities.

Conceptualised in 1999, the programme has become a cornerstone of the government-wide access strategy aimed at redressing the imbalances of the past by taking services and information closer to the people.

Authorities have encouraged residents from Pacaltsdorp and surrounding areas to take advantage of the opportunity and attend the event. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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While petrol consumers will face an increase in prices from today, government’s reduction in the general fuel levy will actively cushion South Africans against even steeper hikes and shield the economy from broader inflationary pressures.

The intervention comes alongside an announcement by the Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (DMPR) on the adjustment of prices.

“In line with the announcement by the Minister of Finance, the amount of general fuel levy relief has accordingly been reduced by R1.50 per litre for petrol and R1.96 per litre for diesel, effective from [today] to Tuesday, 30 June 2026,” the DMPR said in a statement.

During remarks at the CITI Emerging Markets Macro and Credit Conference this week, Treasury Director-General Dr Duncan Pieterse noted that between April and June, the temporary reduction in the general fuel levy came at a cost of some R17.2 billion the fiscus.

“This will be funded by the fiscal outperformance from the previous year and will therefore be fiscally neutral. We set a precedent for this when we cut the fuel levy from April to August 2022, after Russia invaded the Ukraine: the revenue foregone was well below the relief provided.

“We have made it clear that any additional relief measures, including those contemplated by other government departments, will be managed within existing budgets,” Pieterse said.

The price adjustments for this month are as follows:

• Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): R1.43 increase.
• Petrol 95 (ULP &LRP): R1.43 increase.
• Diesel (0.05% sulphur): R3.24 decrease.
• Diesel (0.005% sulphur): R2.61 decrease.
• Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): R5.96 decrease.
• Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin: R7.95 decrease.
• Maximum Retail Price of LP Gas: 17c per kg decrease and 20c per kg decrease in the Western Cape.

The general fuel levy reduction may apply specifically to petrol and diesel, but the sharp decrease in the prices of paraffin and gas also provide relief for low-income households that use alternative fuels for heating, lighting and cooking.

“The prices of middle distillates [diesel and paraffin] decreased more than petrol prices because of lower seasonal demand as the northern hemisphere moves into summer.

“These factors led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 30.42 cents per litre, R5.42 per litre and R5.82 per litre, respectively.

“The prices of Propane and Butane [LP Gas] remained the same during the period under review, however, the freight costs decreased,” the DMPR explained. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday host Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto on a State Visit to South Africa, with the two leaders expected to strengthen bilateral relations, expand trade and investment opportunities, and advance cooperation on regional and continental priorities. 

The visit, taking place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, marks a reciprocal State Visit following engagements between the two countries in 2021 and 2022. It comes as South Africa and Kenya seek to elevate their longstanding relationship to a Strategic Partnership, reflecting the growing importance of ties between Africa’s two leading economies.

“The strategic importance of the bilateral relations between the two countries underlines South Africa’s intentions to elevate the nature of the relationship to that of a Strategic Partnership,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

South Africa regards Kenya as a key strategic partner in East Africa, while Kenya remains South Africa’s largest trading partner on the continent outside the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Official talks between President Ramaphosa and President Ruto are expected to focus on bilateral relations, economic cooperation, regional stability, continental development and multilateral issues. 

The discussions will also assess progress made through the Joint Commission for Cooperation, the primary mechanism guiding relations between the two countries.

Economic ties are expected to feature prominently during the visit. South Africa exported goods worth approximately R11.1 billion to Kenya in 2025, while imports from Kenya amounted to about R464 million. 

More than 75 South African companies currently operate in Kenya across sectors including financial services, information and communications technology, energy, logistics, retail and hospitality.

The two countries have already concluded numerous agreements across sectors such as agriculture, education, tourism, transport, defence, water and sanitation, and trade. During the State Visit, six additional Memoranda of Understanding are expected to be signed, bringing the total number of bilateral agreements to 34.

The leaders are also expected to explore opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), infrastructure development projects such as the LAPSSET Corridor, as well as investments in renewable energy and logistics.

Following the official talks, President Ramaphosa and President Ruto will participate in a signing ceremony and media briefing before attending a South Africa-Kenya Business Forum at Gallagher Estate in Midrand. 

The forum will bring together government and business leaders to deepen economic cooperation, facilitate partnerships and identify new avenues for trade and investment.

The visit is also expected to build on growing people-to-people relations between the two countries, supported by measures such as Kenya’s 90-day visa waiver arrangement, which has helped boost tourism, business travel and cultural exchanges.

As South Africa and Kenya continue to strengthen their partnership, the State Visit is expected to reaffirm the two countries’ shared commitment to advancing economic growth, regional integration and Africa’s development agenda. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Biesiesvlei, together with the Community Police Forum (CPF) and various stakeholders, commemorated Child Protection Month with an awareness campaign and outreach programme aimed at promoting children’s rights and safety.

The event was held at Lesedi la Thuto Early Learning Development Centre in Itekeng Extension 3 on Friday, 29 May 2026. 

Child Protection Month is observed annually in South Africa to promote, protect and preserve the rights of children.

The programme brought together representatives from the Department of Health, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), the Vryburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, Community in Blue Patrollers, the Youth Crime Prevention Desk, the Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum, as well as community leaders and management of the early learning centre.

Proceedings began with an opening prayer by Reverend Isaac Hoffman of the Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum, followed by a welcome address from Lesedi la Thuto manager Semakaleng Mabe.

Addressing learners, Captain Hanelie Van Wyk of the Vryburg FCS Unit spoke about children’s constitutional rights and raised awareness about sexual offences. 

She encouraged children to report inappropriate behaviour and emphasised that no one should touch their private body parts.

Warrant Officer Mpho Setlhare, SAPS Communication Officer, reassured learners that the police are there to help and protect them. 

She also warned against playing with sharp objects and firearms, stressing that firearms should only be handled by trained and authorised individuals.

Community Development Worker Aupanyane Methi from COGTA called on stakeholders to work together in raising responsible and disciplined future leaders. 

Ward Councillor Mazwi Moruri urged residents and community elders to play an active role in protecting children amid rising incidents of gender-based violence affecting vulnerable groups.

The Department of Health concluded activities at the centre by administering vitamin and deworming supplements to the children.

Following the awareness programme, the delegation visited the Kagiso Foundation in Extension 1, where six children aged between eight months and 13 years, identified as victims of child neglect, received gifts from the visiting stakeholders.

Caregiver Kagiso Pule thanked the delegation for the visit and highlighted some of the challenges faced by the children in her care. Stakeholders committed themselves to providing support and exploring interventions to assist the foundation.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Warrant Officer Setlhare, who expressed appreciation to all stakeholders, community members and participants for their contribution towards safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children.

“Protecting children is a shared responsibility, and events such as these help strengthen community partnerships in ensuring that children’s rights are upheld and respected,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi will, on Friday, lead the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Committee Meeting of Ministers of Justice/Attorney General.

The meeting will be held at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

“This meeting gives us an opportunity, as the SADC region, to further ensure legal consistency in all regional legal instruments. Through constructive dialogue, we can address socio-economic challenges and promote our shared objectives of upholding the rule of law in the region,” Kubayi said.

According to the department, discussions at the meeting will include the “application and interpretation of SADC legal regimes, including the SADC Treaty, SADC Protocols, and other legal instruments, as well as the application and interpretation of international law”.

“The meeting will further provide an opportunity for Ministers to review progress in the implementation of SADC legal instruments and deliberate initiatives aimed at enhancing the administration of justice across the region,” the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development added. – SAnews.gov.za

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Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has stepped in to amend the Animal Diseases Regulations (R.2026 of 1986) to allow the introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) vaccinations against the disease in the country.

The move is aimed at providing the poultry sector with a sustainable way forward in combating bird flu.

The decision follows a formal objection submitted by the South African Poultry Association (SAPA) under Section 23 of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984).

SAPA highlighted a breakdown in the department’s Directorate: Animal Health, reporting continuous failure to provide a practical or affordable solution to HPAI and prevent any potential crisis. Poultry producers argued that the department kept them stuck in an outdated system that forced the mass culling of birds, leaving them without any modern legal tools to protect their flocks.

After reviewing the findings of a Section 23 Investigation Committee, Steenhuisen said he had accepted recommendations aimed at breaking what he described as an administrative deadlock and modernising the country’s disease-control strategy.

The Minister said the report provides an opportunity to move away from the traditional “stamping-out” model, which legally requires the destruction of both healthy and sick birds, towards a state-regulated vaccination defence plan designed to strengthen disease prevention and control.

“Our poultry farmers need direct support, and we are changing policy to give them a legal mechanism to protect their livelihoods. The old regulations forced the industry to destroy flocks unnecessarily, which harmed agricultural businesses and raised food prices for consumers.

“By changing this policy, we are giving producers the legal right to use verified scientific tools to protect their farms, protect agricultural jobs, and secure affordable food for the public,” the Minister said.

New Framework for disease management

The formalisation of an HPAI Vaccination Framework under the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984) will change how poultry operations run in South Africa:

•    Farmers will use a combination of vaccination, biosecurity, and testing, which stops the requirement for widespread bird culling and lowers financial losses;

•    The department will amend the Animal Diseases Regulations (R.2026) or issue a formal Section 9 control measure, to establish a clear legal framework on how poultry farming entities must manage an HPAI outbreak once identified on their farms. The objective of this measure is to eliminate mixed enforcement rules that created confusion and weakened the capacity to quickly eradicate the disease;

•    The new rules will balance disease control requirements so that both big commercial operations and smallholder farmers can have the space in line with the new regulations to efficiently and effectively deal with HPAI outbreaks on their farms;

•    The department’s role will be to set up and run national surveillance systems for HPAI, laboratory testing, and ensuring that farming entities adhere to regulations when there are outbreaks on their farms;

•    The department will also focus on maintaining international trade standards to ensure market access.

The Minister has instructed the department to immediately implement interim control measures in place while the policy shift is being formalised through the appropriate statutory instruments to ensure an orderly transition for the sector and provided a deadline for the publishing of the gazette. – SAnews.gov.za

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