Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Government has declared 2026 the “Year of Putting Young South Africans to Work” and is rolling out a range of interventions aimed at tackling unemployment, particularly among young people, through a revamped Labour Activation Programme (LAP).

Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth outlined the plans during a Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Deep Dive Media Engagement, where she unpacked the department’s Budget Vote priorities and efforts to address South Africa’s persistently high unemployment rate.

The department has been allocated R4.578 billion for the 2026/27 financial year, representing a 10.2% increase from the previous year.

“It is important to note that we declared 2026 as ‘The Year of Putting Young South Africans to Work’, in honour of the 1976 Youth and Commemoration of the Youth Uprising Golden Jubilee.

“We will be more aggressive in funding targeted youth-focused job creation initiatives, with a 70% of these opportunities strictly ring-fenced for our youth,” Meth said.

According to Statistics South Africa, the country’s official unemployment rate currently stands at 32.7%. 

Meth described unemployment as more than an economic challenge, saying it has become a social justice issue that threatens social stability and undermines the dignity and future prospects of millions of young people.

The centrepiece of government’s intervention is a redesigned Labour Activation Programme, which has been restructured following a review that found it was not achieving the scale and impact required to respond effectively to the unemployment crisis.

The programme now rests on three pillars: workplace-integrated learning and placement, demand-led skills training, and support for small enterprises.

The first pillar focuses on placing graduates, TVET students and other work seekers in workplaces, particularly those who require practical training before they can qualify.

Meth said many students remain trapped in a “missing middle” category, having completed their studies but unable to graduate because they cannot secure workplace placements.

“The issue of being associated with going to universities, even though in other economies you see people who go to TVET and be the ones who are holding the economy,” she said.

She explained that many students complete theoretical studies but are unable to enter the labour market because they still need workplace-integrated learning.

“We have picked it up as a gap and decide we’ll use this program, labour activation, to identify those and place them in numbers, so that at least we can assist them to graduate,” the Minister said.

Government plans to place 20 000 TVET students and other learners requiring practical workplace exposure, including trainee engineers, law graduates, health inspectors, chartered accountants and chartered financial analysts.

The second pillar focuses on demand-led skills training aligned with labour market needs.

Meth said government had moved away from simply training people without considering whether jobs existed in those sectors.

“We are saying we will only partner with those credible and reliable training providers from the public sector and the institutions that are providing training, and also employers, in particular, but focusing on demand-led skills, skills that are needed by the labour market, so that once you are trained on that skill, there is no discussion about where do you go, because already the market is ready for you,” she said. 

As part of this effort, the department plans to train 10 000 young people in digital skills after research identified approximately 149 000 opportunities in the digital economy.

“The issue of AI digital technologies, we don’t have the success of that skill. It’s a skill that we need,” Meth said.

The department will also fund driver’s licences for 10 000 young people to remove a major barrier to entry into the labour market.

Meth noted that many entry-level positions require driver’s licences, making it difficult for unemployed youth to access opportunities.

The third pillar focuses on supporting small enterprises and the informal economy.

Meth said small businesses have the potential to create jobs but face challenges including limited access to finance, crime and inadequate municipal support.

“We must, if we want to see jobs as a department of employment and labour, have a program that supports the informal sector,” she said.

Overall, government aims to create 200 000 opportunities during the current financial year through the Labour Activation Programme and related interventions.

Seventy percent of these opportunities have been ring-fenced for young people.

In addition, the department has committed R350 million through its partnership with the Presidency and the National Pathway Management Network to place 130 000 young people in learning opportunities, work exposure programmes and employment interventions.

Meth called on employers to work with government to provide internships and workplace experience opportunities.

“It cannot be business as usual to have so many unemployed South Africans,” she said.

The Minister also encouraged employers to make greater use of Employment Services South Africa (ESSA), government’s online recruitment platform that contains millions of job seeker profiles.

“Employers must utilise the database. It’s an online system, which can be accessed via www.labor.gov.sa to directly recruit and match with unemployed works, whether they require chefs, waiters, drivers, plumbers, artisans, etcetera,” she said. 

Meth stressed that while government programmes can help improve employability and create pathways into work, long-term success ultimately depends on broader economic growth and stronger private sector job creation.

“We are still awaiting patiently, but we are very anxious for the economy to grow, for the economy to absorb the labour force,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina will host and officially welcome her counterparts from Eswatini and Mozambique at the inaugural Council of Ministers Meeting of the Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission (INMACOM) on Friday, 5 June, in Boksburg, Johannesburg.

The meeting will bring together Eswatini’s Minister for Natural Resources and Energy, His Royal Highness Prince Lonkhokela Dlamini, and Mozambique’s Minister of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources, Fernando Rafael — marking a significant milestone in regional cooperation on the management of shared water resources.

The historic gathering marks an important milestone in regional cooperation on shared water resources between South Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique.

“Bringing Ministers of the three Member States together at this level reflects a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation, deepening partnership and advancing a common vision for the sustainable management of the region’s shared water resources,” the department said.

The inaugural meeting will lay a strong foundation for coordinated action, shared responsibility and long-term resilience in managing the vital Incomati and Maputo river systems, which continue to support livelihoods, economic development, and environmental sustainability across the region.

According to the department, the engagement reflects a collective commitment to harness water as a catalyst for integration, stability, and prosperity in Southern Africa.

The meeting also builds on decades of cooperation among the three countries under the Tripartite Permanent Technical Committee, which served as the foundation for the establishment of INMACOM in 2021.

Through this inaugural session, the department said the three countries will consolidate institutional arrangements and advance coordinated approaches to the equitable and sustainable management of shared watercourses.

“South Africa’s hosting of the inaugural INMACOM Council of Ministers Meeting reaffirms its continued leadership in advancing regional cooperation and integrated water resources management within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region,” the department said.

The inaugural INMACOM Council of Ministers Meeting is poised to establish a strong foundation for long-term collaboration and reinforce institutional mechanisms that will guide the sustainable management of the shared river basins in the years ahead.

This landmark engagement will see ministers deliberate on strategic priorities central to regional water governance, including water availability, infrastructure development, sharing of hydrological data and information, and environmental sustainability.

Discussions are expected to lay the foundation for enhanced resilience and long-term water security across the Incomati and Maputo River Basins.

INMACOM is a transboundary river basin organisation established by South Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique to promote cooperation in the development, protection and sustainable utilisation of shared water resources.

The Commission serves as a vital platform for joint planning, information sharing and coordinated management of the Incomati and Maputo River Basins, ensuring the equitable and peaceful use of water resources for present and future generations.

The main responsibility of the Commission is to, amongst others, encourage cooperation between the parties to ensure the development, protection and sustainable utilisation of the water resources shared by the Member States. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp has announced the publication of South Africa’s National Elephant Heritage Strategy in the Government Gazette, paving the way for its implementation as a national framework for elephant conservation and management.

The strategy provides a coherent, evidence-based approach to the conservation and management of the African elephant in South Africa and is aligned with national biodiversity targets and policy mandates.

According to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), African elephants are currently listed nationally as “least concern”, reflecting a widespread and stable population that faces a low risk of extinction within South Africa.

The strategy was developed through a partnership between the DFFE, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and South African National Parks (SANParks). 

The initiative was aimed at creating a unified framework to guide elephant conservation and management across the country.

In line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the strategy was developed using a whole-of-society approach that incorporated input from stakeholders across South Africa. 

As part of the process, a National Elephant Indaba was convened to discuss challenges related to human-elephant conflict and to develop a coordinated national response informed by scientific evidence.

The National Elephant Heritage Strategy is intended to guide the development, revision and implementation of several key mechanisms and tools, including the Elephant Norms and Standards, the National Elephant Research Strategy, the Non-Detrimental Finding for Elephants, the Elephant Red-list Assessment, reserve-level Elephant Management Plans and the National Elephant Meta-Population Plan.

The department said the strategy adopts an integrated socio-ecological framework aimed at strengthening adaptive management, improving stakeholder engagement and enhancing sustainable benefit-sharing opportunities associated with elephants and their habitats.

The strategy will also serve as South Africa’s National Elephant Action Plan for the implementation of the African Elephant Action Plan (AEAP). 

Government said the framework aligns with the country’s international obligations and will support engagement with other elephant range states while demonstrating South Africa’s contribution to achieving the objectives of the AEAP.

Electronic copies of the Government Notice for the National Elephant Heritage Strategy are available at https://www.dffe.gov.za/legislation/gazetted_notices or www.gpwonline.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa remains on course to meet its fiscal targets despite the economic uncertainty created by the recent conflict in the Middle East, National Treasury Director-General Duncan Pieterse said on Monday.

Speaking at the Citi Emerging Markets Macro and Credit Conference, Pieterse said the country’s public finances had reached a turning point following the February 2026 Budget, which saw government debt stabilise relative to GDP for the first time since before the 2008 global financial crisis.

He said South Africa had also achieved a third consecutive primary budget surplus, demonstrating government’s ability to meet both its fiscal consolidation targets and structural reform commitments.

“The true test of fiscal credibility is to deliver on our fiscal objectives through the cycle, including in times of stress,” Pieterse said.

His comments come after the escalation in conflict in the Middle East three days after Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana tabled the national Budget, triggering concerns about rising energy prices and their impact on South Africa’s economy and public finances.

Pieterse said recent assessments by major credit rating agencies had reinforced confidence in South Africa’s fiscal trajectory. 

Moody’s recently revised South Africa’s outlook to positive, while S&P Global Ratings reaffirmed its positive outlook after upgrading the country’s sovereign rating in November 2025.

According to Pieterse, both agencies expect South Africa’s debt burden to decline over the next three years while structural reforms continue to support economic growth.

He noted that South Africa is currently the only G20 country with a positive outlook from Moody’s and one of only two G20 countries with a positive outlook from S&P.

Treasury reported stronger-than-expected fiscal outcomes for the 2025/26 financial year. The primary surplus reached 1.1% of GDP, exceeding the Budget estimate of 0.9%, while the main budget deficit narrowed to 4.3% of GDP compared with the projected 4.6%.

Government debt is expected to decline over the medium term, while the main budget deficit is forecast to fall to 3.1% by 2029.

Pieterse said government would introduce a formal fiscal rule during the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement in October to reinforce its debt reduction and primary surplus objectives.

In response to rising fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict, government introduced temporary fuel levy relief from April to June at a cost of R17.2 billion. 

Pieterse said the measure would be funded from fiscal outperformance recorded in the previous financial year and would therefore be fiscally neutral.

He added that any additional relief measures would be accommodated within existing departmental budgets.

Treasury also reported continued revenue strength at the start of the new financial year. Tax collections in April exceeded Budget forecasts by R5.9 billion, representing annual growth of 10.1%.

Pieterse said government spending remained largely insulated from inflationary pressures, with the public-sector wage agreement fixed until the 2027/28 financial year. 

Social grant spending is also expected to come in around R2 billion below projections due to improved beneficiary verification processes.

He said debt dynamics had improved significantly, with government debt expected to peak in 2025/26 before declining to 76.5% of GDP by 2028/29.

South Africa’s borrowing costs have also fallen. Pieterse said domestic government bond yields had declined by an average of 240 basis points between the 2025 and 2026 Budgets, while five-year Eurobond spreads narrowed from 170 basis points before the Middle East conflict to 106 basis points currently.

On state-owned enterprises, Pieterse said Eskom was on track to record its second consecutive year of profitability after posting a R16 billion profit in 2025 and R24.3 billion in the first half of 2026.

He attributed the turnaround to operational improvements, higher tariffs and conditions attached to government debt relief.

South Africa has now gone more than 365 days without load shedding, he said.

Transnet remains loss-making but has shown signs of recovery, with freight volumes increasing and losses narrowing. Pieterse said no equity injection would be required for the logistics company as existing guarantees adequately cover its financing needs.

Turning to the broader economy, Pieterse said South Africa’s medium-term growth outlook had improved as structural reforms gained momentum.

Economic growth accelerated during the second half of 2025, with GDP expanding by 1.1% for the year, double the growth rate recorded in 2024. The February Budget projected growth rising to 2% by 2028.

Fixed investment has also begun to recover, with two consecutive quarters of growth recorded during 2025 after an extended period of contraction.

Agricultural exports increased by 11% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier, supported by higher export volumes and improved prices.

Pieterse acknowledged that the Middle East conflict had increased concerns about fertiliser supply and prices, but said South Africa was unlikely to face shortages because it could diversify import sources.

He highlighted progress in energy reform, noting that the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has registered more than 19 gigawatts of new generation capacity. 

The National Transmission Company of South Africa has a further 24 gigawatts of projects seeking grid connections over the next six years.

Government is also advancing plans to establish an independent transmission system operator and implement a wholesale electricity market.

In the logistics sector, Pieterse said private-sector participation was expanding. 

The 25-year concession for Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 became operational in January, while 11 train operating companies have been selected to operate on 41 routes across six freight corridors.

He said government infrastructure spending would grow by nearly 10% annually over the medium term, making it the fastest-growing area of expenditure.

Major investments are planned for passenger rail, including R23.1 billion for signalling systems, R7.4 billion for operational support and R5.7 billion for rolling stock.

Treasury has also approved R104 billion in infrastructure projects through the Budget Facility for Infrastructure and raised R11.8 billion through its first infrastructure bond issued in December 2025.

Pieterse said municipal reform would be another key focus area ahead of local government elections in November. Treasury has launched a Metro Trading Services Reform programme backed by R54 billion over the medium term to improve municipal finances and infrastructure investment.

Pieterse said government remained committed to reducing debt and strengthening economic growth despite global uncertainty.

“We are not yet where we want to be and more work lies ahead, especially in the current global environment. But we are on track to get there,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has urged residents, businesses, motorists and other stakeholders to exercise extreme caution after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Level 5 warning for disruptive rainfall expected on Wednesday and Thursday.

The warning indicated a high likelihood of heavy rainfall across Nelson Mandela Bay and the surrounding areas, with the potential to cause localised flooding, dangerous road conditions, damage to infrastructure, disruptions to essential services, and potential risk to life and property.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) said a cut-off low-pressure system is expected to bring cold, wet and windy weather to the central and southern parts of the country on Wednesday, with possible localised flooding in the Eastern and Western Cape.

“A cold front is expected to slip south of the country, with a cut-off low deepening west of the country, which is expected to propagate eastwards across South Africa from Wednesday and finally exit the country towards the weekend,” the Weather Service said on Monday.

The municipality said its Disaster Management Centre, emergency services and relevant municipal departments have been placed on high alert and are closely monitoring weather developments to ensure a coordinated response to any incidents arising from the severe conditions.

“Residents living in low lying and flood prone areas are encouraged to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, their families and their property. 

“Motorists are advised to avoid travelling, unless necessary, during periods of intense rainfall and should never attempt to cross flooded roads, bridges, streams or low water crossings,” Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe said in a statement.

The municipality has urged residents to:
• Stay informed by monitoring official weather updates and municipal communication platforms.
• Secure loose outdoor items and protect valuable household belongings from possible water damage.
• Clear drainage systems around homes and businesses, where possible, to improve water flow.
• Avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions.
• Immediately report emergencies, flooding, fallen trees, damaged infrastructure, or any threat to public safety to the relevant emergency authorities.

Lobishe said the municipality is implementing proactive measures to safeguard communities and minimise the impact of the anticipated severe weather conditions.

She urged all residents to remain vigilant, heed all weather warnings, and prioritise their safety.

“While municipal teams are on standby and ready to respond, community cooperation is critical in reducing risks and preventing avoidable incidents during this period of severe weather. 

“The municipality will continue to provide updates as conditions develop and encourages residents to follow official communication channels for accurate and timely information,” Lobishe said.

Law enforcement on site amid protest action

Meanwhile, the municipality confirmed that it is aware of protest action taking place in parts of the metro.

According to reports received from law enforcement agencies, the gatherings have remained peaceful, with no incidents reported and no significant impact on traffic movement.

“Law enforcement agencies remain on site and continue to monitor the situation to ensure public safety, maintain public order, and facilitate the lawful exercise of constitutional rights,” the municipality said.

While acknowledging the constitutional right of all individuals and groups to express their views through peaceful and lawful protest, the municipality stressed that all public gatherings, marches and demonstrations must be conducted in accordance with the Regulation of Gatherings Act and other applicable legislation.

“Residents are encouraged to remain calm and to obtain information from credible and official sources. The municipality further calls on all participants to cooperate with law enforcement officials and to conduct themselves in a peaceful and responsible manner.”

The municipality reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting public safety, promoting social cohesion, and respecting the rights and dignity of all people within its communities. – SAnews.gov.za

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Police in the North West have arrested 586 suspects for various offences as part of Operation Shanela.

The arrests were made between 25 and 31 May 2026.

“The multi-disciplinary operations focused on stop-and-search actions, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), high visibility patrols, including foot patrols, tracing of wanted suspects, as well as inspections at 192 liquor outlets and 54 second-hand goods premises,” the police said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Of the 586 suspects, 307 were wanted suspects, who were traced and apprehended by detectives after being linked to crimes through forensic DNA and other investigative leads,” the police said.

During the operations, police confiscated drugs, tobacco products, liquor, dangerous weapons, two firearms, ammunition, and one vehicle.

An unannounced Operation Shanela was conducted on Friday and Saturday nights, 29 and 30 May 2026 in Mahikeng and Lomanyaneng. 

The operational team comprised members from the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Liquor and Second Hand Goods (FLASH) Unit, Crime Intelligence: Overt Operations, Mahikeng Communications and Home Affairs, leading to the arrest of 15 undocumented persons, mostly Malawian citizens.

One employee was fined R1 500 for employing an illegal immigrant, while another 20-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of suspected illegal goods in contravention of Section 80(1)(a) of the Customs and Excise Act, Act 91 of 1964. 

Police seized cigarettes valued at close to R10 000. One suspect was arrested for possession of drugs, while another person was fined for selling liquor without a licence.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Ryno Naidoo, commended members for their efforts, saying that Operation Shanela continues to deliver tangible results in the fight against crime. 

He further commended the teams for their cooperation in ensuring a safer environment for all in the province.

Extortion-related incidents can be reported to the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the North West, Major General Ryno Naidoo, has commended law enforcement agencies and regulatory partners for the successful execution of coordinated illicit goods operations in Rustenburg, Brits, Marikana and Hartbeespoort Dam.

The operations were conducted between Monday and Saturday.

“The intelligence-driven operations formed part of ongoing efforts to combat the proliferation of counterfeit and illicit goods, protect consumers from potentially harmful products, and safeguard the country’s economy from criminal activities linked to illicit trade,” the police said in a statement.

The operations were conducted through a collaborative approach involving the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, Customs, SARS Tactical Analysis and Investigation Unit, Public Order Policing (POP) Rustenburg, Anti-Gang Unit, Phokeng K9 Unit, TRT Brits, Hartbeespoort Dam K9 Unit, North West Provincial Commercial Crime Unit, Brand Protectors and the National Regulator for Consumer Specifications (NRCS).

During the operations, authorities seized a wide range of suspected counterfeit and illicit products, including branded clothing, sports apparel, sneakers, toys, cosmetics, high-end fashion accessories, medication, and various consumable goods.

A total of 178 825 items were seized, with an estimated value of approximately R219 402 199.

In addition, the NRCS confiscated 12 009 non-compliant items, including canned and frozen meat and fish products, consumables, electronics, and small household appliances, with an estimated value of R102 137 270.

Law enforcement officials also seized cash amounting to R118 400 during the operations.

A criminal case was registered in terms of the Medicines and Related Substances Act following the discovery of unregistered medication. Investigations are ongoing and no arrests have been effected at this stage.

Furthermore, illicit alcohol with an estimated value of R127 000 was seized, while counterfeit alcohol valued at R18 500 was also confiscated.

Naidoo praised the dedication and cooperation demonstrated by all participating agencies and stakeholders, noting that the success of the operation underscores the importance of an integrated law enforcement approach in addressing organised crime and illicit trade.

He said the seizure of counterfeit, illicit, and non-compliant goods sends a strong message that law enforcement agencies remain committed to protecting consumers, legitimate businesses, and the economy from criminal activities.

He said the police will continue to intensify operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks involved in the manufacturing, distribution and sale of illicit goods in the province. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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