Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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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The Presidency has noted the latest order issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the case brought by South Africa against Israel under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. 

On 21 May 2026, the ICJ issued an order setting a deadline of 22 November 2027 for South Africa to file its Reply to Israel’s written pleading, which was submitted in March 2026.

Israel will then have until 22 May 2029 to submit a Rejoinder.

According to the Presidency, the order follows a meeting held in The Hague on 29 April 2026 between representatives of the parties and the President of the Court to discuss the next procedural steps in the matter.

The Presidency explained that a second round of written pleadings is common in ICJ cases and has been followed in all previous cases brought under the Genocide Convention.

It also noted that Israel has objected to the jurisdiction of the court in its Counter-Memorial submitted in March 2026.

“As Israel has now objected to the jurisdiction of the Court in its Counter-Memorial, submitted in March 2026 – and not, as contemplated in the Rules of Court, ‘as soon as possible, and not later than three months after the delivery of the Memorial’ (i.e. January 2025) – South Africa will now have to address these objections to the Court’s jurisdiction in its Reply,” the Presidency said.

In terms of the Rules of Court, written pleadings remain confidential until the court determines otherwise.

The Presidency noted that at the time of filing its Counter-Memorial, Israel’s counsel publicly declared that “its Counter-Memorial [proves] its legitimate objectives in the war have always been to eliminate the military and governing capabilities of Hamas and other terrorist organizations”.

Responding to this position, the Presidency said: “Whether or not Israel’s war on Gaza is authorised by, or has complied with, the international law regarding self-defence, as claimed by Israel’s counsel, South Africa’s response is a simple one: self-defence is not a defence to genocide, there is none.”

The Presidency further emphasised that Israel remains bound by the three provisional measures orders issued by the ICJ at South Africa’s request.

The court previously determined that the rights of Palestinians in Gaza are under “real and imminent risk of irreparable prejudice”.

According to the Presidency, the orders require Israel, among other things, to ensure that its military does not commit genocidal acts in Gaza and to ensure “without delay, in full co-operation with the United Nations, the unhindered provision…of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance”.

The orders also require Israel to ensure the “unimpeded access” of United Nations commissions of inquiry, fact-finding missions and other investigative bodies to the Gaza Strip.

South Africa instituted proceedings against Israel at the ICJ in December 2023, arguing that Israel’s actions in Gaza violate obligations under the Genocide Convention. – SAnews.gov.za

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As concern over illegal migration grows, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has reiterated that government is addressing the issue and implementing measures to protect the economic rights and interests of South Africans.

“We cannot allow the problem of illegal migration to threaten national security and social cohesion. As the President has indicated, government has been implementing measures to deal with illegal immigration in South Africa,” Ntshavheni said on Tuesday in Parliament, while tabling The Presidency’s Budget Vote for the 2026/27 financial year.

She also warned South Africans not to take law enforcement into their own hands in response to illegal migration.

“Law enforcement must be left to law enforcement authority, and the authorities will deal decisively with those acting against our laws and the Constitution of our Republic,” the Minister said.

As part of government’s measures to tackle illegal migration, the Border Management Authority (BMA) was established in 2023 to strengthen border control.

The BMA is responsible for border law enforcement functions at land, air and maritime ports of entry, as well as in border law enforcement areas.

“The Department of Home Affairs has been increasing the number of deportations of undocumented foreign nationals year on year since 2022, despite capacity constraints,” the Minister said.

Cabinet also approved the revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection in March 2026.

The approval followed an extensive public consultation process led by the Department of Home Affairs, which covered all nine provinces and drew thousands of submissions from stakeholders and members of the public.

The revised White Paper sets out policy priorities for what government describes as the most significant reform of South Africa’s citizenship, immigration and refugee protection frameworks in a generation.

It aims to curb fraud and abuse, strengthen national security, improve service delivery through digital transformation, and support economic development.

“The Department of Employment and Labour has finalised the National Labour Migration Policy, which introduces maximum quotas for documented foreign nationals and provides for the prosecution of employers who hire undocumented foreign nationals.

“In addition, Cabinet has approved for submission to Parliament the Employment Services Amendment Bill, which empowers the Minister of Employment and Labour to set quotas for the employment of foreign nationals in any economic sector or occupational category,” Ntshavheni said.

Currently, 26 364 foreign nationals who are criminal offenders are being held in Correctional Services facilities.

Ntshavheni said this disproves the claim that law enforcement is unable to arrest foreign nationals who commit crimes in South Africa.

“The Department of Small Business Development is continuing to implement the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Informal Business Licensing Framework, which restricts business licensing to South Africans and individuals with valid immigration status,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za

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As the country commemorates Youth Month in June government continues to work towards improving young people’s access to the labour market and economy, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli said.

“South Africans are …asking for work that can be seen, felt and trusted. Essentially, South Africans want a government that works for all, especially its young people who constitute 59% of the country’s total population,” Mhlauli said on Tuesday.

The Deputy Minister was speaking in support of the Presidency Budget Vote tabled by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the National Assembly.

“The youth of this country have for the past 50 years since June 16 1976, and beyond; demonstrated that they do not lack ideas, talent, and courage to stand up for their future. What they lack is access,” she said.

Initiatives like the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) which the  President launched in 2020, are actively expanding that door to access with the recently released quarter 3 results for 2025/26 having demonstrated real, quantifiable momentum in the drive to transition young people from learning to earning.

In the third quarter alone,  the PYEI facilitated 294,530 new earning opportunities while more than 5.77 million young people had registered on the SA Youth platform.

READ | Presidential Youth Employment Intervention continues to produce results 

“Since its inception, the PYEI has facilitated access to more than 2.36 million earning opportunities,” she said adding that over 70% of the opportunities accessed through SA Youth have been taken up by young women, helping close historical gender gaps.

Mhlauli said the success of the PYEI reflects government’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment through targeted intervention and innovation. 

“At a time when youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s greatest challenges, the programme stands as evidence that government action can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people,”  she explained.

The Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund exceeded its targets this quarter, enrolling over 9,170 young people and successfully placing more than 7,200 into employment. 

“This is funding real outcomes,” said the Deputy Minister.

Meanwhile, the Revitalised National Youth Service continues its rapid expansion, having placed 132,784 young people in paid service opportunities to date, with additional 100 000 opportunities currently available on SA Youth.Mobi. 

She called on youth between the ages of 18 and 35 to participate in the programme that is focused on community service, skills development and gain meaningful work experience. 

In addition, the Youth Employment Service (YES), a private sector led initiative in partnership with the Presidency, has created over 228 000 youth jobs with an absorption rate of 60% into fulltime employment post the programme.

The Deputy Minister added that 17% of YES alumni have started their own business with the support of the programme across sectors. 

“Through sustained investment in youth employment and empowerment programmes, partnerships with the private sector, and the allocation of public resources to create opportunities for young people, this government has enabled hundreds of thousands of youth to gain work experience, skills, and pathways into the labour market.”

She said the country has made progress over the years as stated in Statistics South Africa’s General Household Survey.

“South Africa’s total life expectancy at birth increased from 55.2% in 2002 to nearly 67% in 2025,” she said adding that 84% of households live in formal dwellings and with more than half of these households owning their homes.

She added that 94.9% of South Africa’s households have access to electricity  and that 87.4% of South African households have access to piped water with 8.1 million more households having gained piped water since 2002. 

On education, 96.6% of school participation is achieved by age 15 and 52.9% of South African adults now have at least Grade 12, with an enrolment of 1.9 million students in public institutions of higher learning as of 2024. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi has welcomed Telkom SOC Limited’s annual results, which showed revenue of R44.5 billion and continued growth in its data-driven business, including an increase in mobile subscribers to 25 million.

The performance was reported in Telkom’s annual financial results for the year ended 31 March 2026.

“The results reflect continued progress in the implementation of Telkom’s strategy and demonstrate the value of disciplined execution, operational efficiency and a sustained focus on growth areas. The results highlight the growing importance of digital connectivity and data services in South Africa’s economy,” the Minister said on Tuesday.

Telkom, a JSE-listed telecommunications company in which the South African government holds a 40.5% stake, remains a strategic asset in the country’s digital ecosystem and a significant contributor to economic activity.

The group’s stronger financial position enabled the board to raise its dividend payout ratio and declare an ordinary dividend of 270 cents a share, up 65.7% from the previous year.

“As a shareholder, the South African government will receive approximately R559 million in dividend income, up from R540 million in the previous financial year. This income adds to the resources available to support the state’s broader developmental priorities and public service delivery commitments.

“Telkom’s extensive fixed and wireless infrastructure continues to play an important role in expanding connectivity and supporting South Africa’s digital transformation objectives. Its national fibre backbone, metropolitan networks and wireless access platforms form part of the critical infrastructure that enables economic participation, innovation and access to digital services,” he said.

The Minister said he looks forward to Telkom building on this performance while helping to create a more connected, inclusive and competitive digital economy in South Africa.

He congratulated the Telkom board, led by chairperson Geoffrey Qhena, the executive leadership team under Group Chief Executive Officer Serame Taukobong, and all employees on the group’s performance. –SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of widespread bitterly cold, wet, and windy conditions across several provinces, while light snowfall is expected over the higher mountains of the Cape provinces and Drakensberg mountains. 

This is due to a Cut-Off Low (COL) pressure system that is expected to significantly affect the southern provinces of South Africa from Wednesday into Thursday.

Some areas of the Western and Eastern Cape, recently affected by the previous cut-off low system, are at high risk of flooding. 

“Rainfall associated with the Cut-Off Low is expected to become widespread from Wednesday into Thursday, particularly over the Garden Route District of the Western Cape, extending into the central and western parts of the Eastern Cape, taking into consideration that most of these areas are still recovering from the impacts of the previous cut-off low system. 

“The anticipated rainfall may lead to localised to significant flooding of susceptible areas, including roads, bridges, low-lying settlements, and river crossings,” the weather service said.

Fast-flowing streams and rivers may pose a danger to life, while major transport routes could be affected by flooding and poor visibility.

In addition to rainfall, the weather system is expected to cause a significant drop in daytime temperatures across affected regions. 

“Freezing levels in the lower atmosphere are forecast to drop to a sufficiently low altitude above the ground to support mostly light, non-disruptive snowfall over higher-lying terrain over the Cape provinces, the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg as well as the Clarens area of the Free State,” the weather service added.

While the current modelled expectation of accumulated depth of snowfall suggests only “light snowfalls”, travellers and communities in mountainous areas are nevertheless advised to remain informed of forecast updates issued by the SAWS, as conditions may change when fresh output from Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) weather models becomes available. 

While snowfalls are expected to occur over the Drakensberg mountains of KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, 4 June 2026, the depth of snowfall is not expected to cause any significant disruption over the Van Reenen’s Pass region of the N3 highway.

Strong winds and rough sea conditions are expected along the south-western and southern coastline of the Western Cape as well as the southern coastline of the Eastern Cape. 

These conditions may make navigation at sea difficult, particularly for small vessels and personal watercraft.

The public are therefore strongly advised to:

• Monitor official weather updates and warnings issued by the South African Weather Service. 
• Avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain and flooding. 
• Never attempt to cross flooded roads, bridges, or swollen rivers. 
• Secure loose outdoor objects that may be displaced by strong winds. 
• Exercise extreme caution along coastal areas and avoid fishing or recreational activities at sea during the warning period. 
• Provide adequate shelter, warmth and protection for livestock and pets. 
• Prepare emergency kits, including flashlights, batteries, warm clothing, blankets and essential supplies. 

–SAnews.gov.za

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