Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has described His Majesty King Enock Makhosoke II Mabhena as a transformative monarch and a mighty tree who cared a lot about people.

“King Makhosoke II Mabhena was a transformative Monarch who prioritised education and health for the betterment of his people, guided by ancestral wisdom. His initiatives aimed to enhance the future of the Kingdom while ensuring the physical and spiritual wellbeing of those he led. 

“Through various initiatives, he ensured that his people were not only enlightened and economically empowered but also active participants in preserving life, dignity, and communal harmony,” the Deputy President said on Sunday.

The Deputy President was delivering the eulogy at the Special Official Funeral service of the late His Majesty King Makhosonke II, King of the amaNdebele nation. The service was held at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga.

“A mighty tree has fallen, and its shade no longer shelters the amaNdebele people. Ascending the throne in 1986, His Majesty led with dignity and humility for four decades, preserving the sacred traditions that kept amaNdebele songs, murals, and rituals vibrant. He viewed heritage as a living force that shapes identity and strengthens community,” said Mashatile.

He added that the late King institutionalised the Komjekejeke to honour King Silamba, transforming it into a revered annual gathering, a symbol of resilience, unity, and cultural pride. 
The King was also credited with advancing programmes that promoted men’s health and sustained the overall well-being of the communities.

“His Majesty’s leadership was not confined to the boundaries of the AmaNdebele people. He understood that South Africa, in all its diverse ethnicities, is one nation.  His voice did not echo only in the valleys of his people; it reverberated across the broader landscape of traditional leadership in our country.”
His legacy, he said, illustrated that Traditional Leadership transcends inheritance, serving as a bridge between ancestral memory and contemporary democracy.

The late King served as Chairperson of the Enkangala District House of Traditional Leaders, rose to Deputy Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Provincial House of Traditional Leaders, and was entrusted as a Member of the inaugural National House of Traditional Leaders, where he presided as Chairperson of the Traditions, Customs and Culture Committee.

His Majesty was also serving as Chairperson of the Majesties Forum, a sacred council of the recognised Kings and Queens of South Africa, where he worked to uphold unity, strengthen cooperation, and preserve the dignity and sanctity of traditional leadership.

The Deputy President recalled how the King played a significant role in strengthening the relationship between the Majesties and traditional leaders with government at all levels.

“He passionately, together with his fellow Majesties, coordinated development programmes and projects for the benefit of the traditional communities. One of his notable contributions in this regard was the preservation of the AmaNdebele Royal lineage, which kept the Kingship connected to its historical, customary, and ancestral roots,” he explained.

The late King also encouraged pride in language, customs, and royal institutions.
“He understood that a people who know their history stand taller in the present and walk more confidently into the future.”

Mashatile called on leaders to draw inspiration from the fact that His Majesty ruled not through fear or distance, but through counsel, listening, and example.
“Indeed, King Makhosoke II Mabhena exemplifies a rare leadership quality, contrasting with many contemporary leaders who prioritise personal gain over the welfare of vulnerable citizens.”

The Deputy President said South Africans must continue to build stronger communities, preserve cultural heritage, expand opportunities for youth, and ensure future generations inherit a more prosperous and united society. 

“We should strengthen systems, uphold accountability, and resist the temptation to exploit power for personal advantage. We should embrace service as a sacred trust, ensuring that our authority is rooted in compassion and responsibility.”

Enhancing relations with traditional leaders
In addition, government is committed to honouring the King’s legacy by enhancing its relationship with traditional and Khoi-San Leaders.

“The government emphasises that traditional leaders will remain relevant and play a crucial role in governance, especially in rural areas. This commitment is backed by the Constitution, which affirms the importance of Traditional Leadership within South Africa’s democratic system.”

To restore dignity and recognition, the government has implemented steps, including the establishment of platforms such as the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, facilitating Traditional Leaders’ involvement in policy-making on pressing issues such as land rights, socio-economic development, and infrastructure support.

In 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa established the Inter-Ministerial Task Team to address these concerns, focusing on five key priorities: advancing land rights and socio-economic growth, enhancing traditional institutions, investing in infrastructure and skills, fostering nation-building, and finalising policy and legislative reforms. Government therefore remains committed to addressing the concerns of traditional leaders nationwide.

READ | Deputy President engages Traditional Leadership on mutual progress

In addition, a review of Traditional Leaders’ remuneration and benefits is underway at the national level, with the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers anticipated to submit its recommendations to the President shortly.

“This process aims to provide much-needed clarity and fairness in the support offered to traditional leaders,” said the Deputy President. –SAnews.gov.za

Over 40 000 illegal foreign nationals have been arrested since the beginning of 2026, with over 7 400 arrests made in the past month alone, as government intensifies efforts to tackle irregular migration and strengthen border security.

The figures were revealed during a media briefing by the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration, which was constituted by President Cyril Ramaphosa to coordinate the government’s work on the issue of migration in South Africa and to oversee the implementation of the various interventions, as outlined during President Ramaphosa’s address to the nation last Sunday.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee is led by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, and constituted by various departments, including Home Affairs, Small Business Development, Defence, International Relations and Cooperation, Employment and Labour, Basic Education, Higher Education and Training, as well as the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The Departments of Transport, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), and Social Development have since been requested to be added.

The Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management, presented by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his nationwide address on Sunday, 7 June, revealed government’s ability to handle illegal immigration where it takes place. 

READ | Government tightens policy, legal controls as it builds a South Africa that works for all

Addressing the media on Sunday, Kubayi said a lot of work has been done in implementing the various interventions that the President announced in his address.

The President outlined the government’s five-point strategy to manage irregular migration, which includes strengthening border security, reiterating the constitutional principle of the Rule of Law, stamping out corruption in the immigration system, cracking down on violence and lawlessness and refining our legislative framework.

This plan and approach also entail collaboration with fellow African nations to forge a broader, more cohesive response to migration challenges across our region and the continent.

Vigilance
Highlighting some of the interventions, Kubayi said the Border Management Authority (BMA) has deployed advanced technologies, including drones and body-worn cameras, and established additional checkpoints along key transport routes leading to major border crossings.

“The BMA and its stakeholders have, on Wednesday, the 10th of June 2026, held an anti-corruption awareness campaign at Oshoek port of entry, the RSA-eSwatini border, to proactively address issues of corruption within the ports. In addition, the BMA and other law enforcement agencies have instituted static checkpoints or roadblocks at key corridors leading to the critical ports, such as Beitbridge, to ensure effective interception of anybody attempting to enter South Africa illegally.

“Currently, there is heightened vigilance across all ports of entry in all the three modalities of land, air and sea. This was demonstrated by the recent interception of nine Bangladeshi nationals at OR Tambo International Airport who attempted to enter South Africa with fraudulent Visas. The interception of ABBA, a precursor for Mandrax with the street value of just below one billion Rands at Beitbridge, is another case in point,” Kubayi said.

Through intelligence-led operations, roadblocks, compliance inspections, and multidisciplinary actions involving various government departments, Kubayi said government continues to identify, arrest and process those who are in the country unlawfully.

Government has also intensified multidisciplinary law enforcement operations, led by the Deputy Ministers of Home Affairs, Police and Labour and Employment.

Through these initiatives, business premises and communities in Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Gauteng were visited to respond to community concerns and transgression of immigration and labour laws by employers.

These include an inspection conducted at a residential estate in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, on 03 June 2026, which resulted in the arrest of 15 foreign nationals for immigration-related contraventions.

“In KZN, a multidisciplinary night operation was conducted on 4 June 2026 at two clothing manufacturing facilities operating at the same site in the Riverside Industrial Area, Newcastle, which resulted in the arrest of a business owner who had illegally employed undocumented migrants, who were also arrested. A similar operation was conducted in Tshwane, and 35 arrests were also made, including two employers who were arrested for employing undocumented foreign nationals.

“This is a demonstration that government is not turning a blind eye to illegal immigration and we are intensifying our efforts to bring it under control,” Kubayi said.

In addition, a total of 143 people were arrested for inciting violence. – SAnews.gov.za

Ahead of the commemoration of Youth Day, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will on Monday, 15 June2026, host a Creative and Cultural Industries Youth Career Expo at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria.

“The Creative and Cultural Industries Youth Career Expo is aimed at exposing young people to sustainable career pathways, entrepreneurship opportunities and technical skills within the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI),” the department said ahead of the expo.

Held in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, the Department of Basic Education, State Theatre, and National Youth Development Agency, the expo will get underway at 8 am.

The expo will be held under the theme “RESET@50 – The Future Calls”, with the slogan “Our National Commitment to the Future, for Freedom Lives in Every Generation”, and is further anchored by the focus “Mapping the Barriers: Auditing Access for Economic Inclusion”.

“The sacrifices of our nation’s youth immensely contributed towards the movement for freedom, justice and equality, affirming that young people are drivers of transformation. This year marks the 50th anniversary (Golden Jubilee) of the symbolic struggle, a national milestone which will be commemorated through a year-long programme to honour the legacy of the class of 1976,” the department said.

It added that the commemoration serves to bridge the historic struggle for youth empowerment through equal education, inclusive economic participation and skills development.

“It seeks to mobilise society towards practical pathways that connect young people to opportunities. Furthermore, the Youth Month commemoration aims to promote active citizenship and showcase interventions that support youth employment and entrepreneurship. It will also strengthen partnerships across sectors and restore hope to young people facing unemployment, exclusion and related social challenges,” it said.

Cabinet recently called on all sectors of society to support initiatives aimed at empowering young people through education, skills development, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.

This as the country is currently commemorating Youth Month, which is observed annually in June and will be commemorated on Youth Day on 16 June. Cabinet said the month provides an opportunity to honour the legacy of the youth of 1976 while reflecting on the progress made in expanding opportunities for younger generations in a democratic South Africa.

The 2026 national Youth Day commemoration will take place at the FNB Premium Parking (open field adjacent to the FNB Stadium) in Nasrec, City of Johannesburg, under the theme: “RESET @50 – Our National Commitment to the Future for Freedom Lives in Every Generation.”-SAnews.gov.za 

Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has been elected Vice Chairperson of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Government Group.

“In a strong show of international confidence, Minister Meth was on Friday, 12 June 2026, overwhelmingly supported by all 187 ILO member states … elected Vice Chairperson of the ILO Government Group,” the Ministry of Employment and Labour said.

In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry said the historic endorsement reflects trust in South Africa’s leadership on global labour matters as well as the Minister’s personal leadership qualities.

The Ministry said the ILO Governing Body serves as the executive council of the International Labour Organization
“It is the supreme decision-making body of the ILO outside the International Labour Conference, responsible for shaping labour policies, setting agendas, adopting the programme and budget, and electing the Director-General.

“A position on the Governing Body, particularly as Vice Chairperson of a major group, carries significant influence over global labour standards and the social justice policies affecting millions of workers worldwide,” the Ministry explained. –SAnews.govza 
 

Eskom says it views Fitch Rating’s decision to upgrade its credit ratings, in line with the recent improvement in South Africa’s sovereign credit rating as continued recognition of the utility’s central role in the country’s energy system.

In a statement on Friday, the power utility announced that it had noted the decision to upgrade its credit ratings, in line with the recent improvement in South Africa’s sovereign credit rating.

Fitch Ratings has upgraded Eskom’s credit ratings as follows:
•    Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings: upgraded to B+ from B; Outlook Stable;
•    Senior unsecured debt: upgraded to B+ from B; Recovery Rating of RR4 unchanged; and
•    guaranteed senior unsecured debt: upgraded to BB from BB-.

The rating action follows the recent upgrade of the Republic of South Africa’s sovereign credit rating and reflects Eskom’s strong linkage to the sovereign under Fitch’s Government-Related Entities rating methodology.

The upgrade also comes at a time when Eskom continues to stabilise its operations and strengthen financial management under its ongoing turnaround plan.

Fitch has assessed the relationship between Eskom and the South African government as “strong across key support factors, including oversight, policy role, and the precedent of support, with Eskom’s rating positioned below the sovereign in line with this framework,” said Eskom.

Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, said the utility’s focus remains on execution.

“We continue to implement our turnaround strategy at pace to restore operational and financial stability, maintain energy security, and position Eskom for sustainable long-term growth that supports the economy. Eskom, and in turn South Africa, now has a stable electricity platform to operate and grow from, advancing grid stability, market liberalisation and the integration of renewable energy,” Marokane said.

The Group remains focused on strengthening operational performance, improving liquidity and access to funding, and delivering on its turnaround plan in support of long-term financial sustainability.

“Eskom views the upgrade as a positive signal of improving macroeconomic conditions and continued recognition of the utility’s central role in South Africa’s energy system,” it said.

Earlier this month, government Fitch’s decision to upgrade South Africa’s long-term foreign and local currency credit ratings to ‘BB’ from ‘BB-’ and maintain the stable outlook.

READ | Government welcomes Fitch rating upgrade

According to Fitch, the upgrade reflects South Africa’s record of prudent fiscal management and its progress on fiscal consolidation, despite weak economic growth and domestic and external shocks. –SAnews.gov.za

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli has called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to expand employment opportunities for young South Africans.

Addressing the Youth Employment Service (YES) Strategy Session, held virtually on Friday, Mhlauli described youth unemployment as one of the country’s most pressing challenges.

She noted that South Africa’s young people possess the talent, resilience and creativity needed to drive economic growth but continue to face limited access to opportunities.

Mhlauli said government must focus on creating pathways that enable young people to realise their full potential.

“South Africans want a government that works for all, especially for young people, who make up almost 60% of our population. The challenge before us is therefore not whether our young people have potential; [it] is whether we are creating enough pathways for them to realise that potential,” the Deputy Minister said.

Mhlauli, who oversees the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI), commended the YES programme for its contribution to youth employment, and urged government to draw lessons from its success as it seeks to scale up interventions nationwide.

She noted that YES has become the world’s largest corporate-funded 12-month youth jobs programme, having created more than 228 000 employment opportunities for young people. The initiative is supported by more than 2 000 sponsoring companies and thousands of host businesses across South Africa.

According to Mhlauli, YES now accounts for the majority of demand-led opportunities within the broader Presidential Youth Employment Initiative ecosystem.

Beyond job creation, she said the programme has also played an important role in fostering entrepreneurship, with many participants going on to establish their own businesses after completing the programme.

“The success of YES demonstrates what is possible when we align incentives, focus on measurable outcomes and work together towards a common objective,” she said.

Mhlauli highlighted the programme’s technology-driven approach and robust monitoring systems, saying these have enabled YES to operate at scale while maintaining accountability and cost efficiency.

She also welcomed the programme’s commitment to independent verification of outcomes, noting that third-party assessments enhance credibility and provide assurance to government, business and the public.

Despite the programme’s achievements, Mhlauli warned that South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis remains severe and requires urgent intervention.

Priority areas for action
To strengthen the country’s response, she outlined five priority areas for action.

The first is making it easier for businesses to participate in youth employment programmes. She said government remains committed to implementing measures announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the 2026 State of the Nation Address to introduce measures to make it easier for companies to participate in YES.

“As the Deputy Minister responsible for oversight of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative, I intend to ensure that government honours this commitment.”

Secondly, Mhlauli said YES should play a more central role within the broader PYEI ecosystem, leveraging its deep relationships with the private sector.

Thirdly, she called for better alignment between private-sector investment commitments with youth employment outcomes, ensuring that business pledges translate into concrete opportunities for young people.
“We should work more closely together to ensure that a portion of these commitments is translated into concrete opportunities for young people through proven mechanisms such as YES,” Mhlauli said.

The fourth priority is strengthening pathways from education to employment, particularly for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students, graduates and first-time job seekers.

She said workplace experience remains critical to improving employability and called for deeper partnerships between employers and educational institutions.

Finally, Mhlauli stressed the importance of evidence-based policymaking, urging all stakeholders to prioritise monitoring, evaluation and learning to ensure resources are directed towards programmes that deliver measurable results.

“The future of youth employment in South Africa will not be secured by government alone. Nor will it be secured by business alone. It will require a genuine partnership between government, the private sector, organised labour, civil society, and young people themselves,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has commended the swift arrest of a third suspect in connection with the murder of two tourists in the northern region of the Kruger National Park last month.

The suspect was arrested on Friday, 12 June 2026, in Zimbabwe through cross border cooperation between South African, Mozambican and Zimbabwean law enforcement agencies.

“This arrest demonstrates that our commitment to tracking down and apprehending every individual involved in this tragic crime was unwavering and resolute,” Aucamp said on Saturday.

The Minister also commended the effective and efficient collaborative efforts of the South African Police Service (SAPS), SANParks Rangers, Mozambique’s Criminal Investigation Directorate, and the Gonarezhou National Parks Rangers, who effected the arrest of the third suspect and later handed him to the Zimbabwe police.

The arrest follows the apprehension of the first two suspects in Mozambique in early June, while the third suspect initially evaded capture. Through the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies, he was subsequently tracked down and arrested in Zimbabwe.

READ | Two arrested in Mozambique for murder of two Kruger National Park tourists

Like his co-accused, the third suspect will now be processed in accordance with the applicable legal procedures, including the applicable extradition proceedings.

The Minister hailed the arrests as a significant step towards justice and highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration in combating crime.

“I’ve said it before: we can achieve so much more if we pool our resources, collaborate and cooperate in fighting cross-border crime,” the Minister said.

Aucamp, together with SANParks management, emphasised that these arrests should serve as a clear warning to anyone contemplating criminal activity within the Kruger National Park that such actions will be met with the full force of the law and that those responsible will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.

He extended his condolences to the Marais family and reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.

“We will do everything in our power to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again.” – SAnews.gov.za