Category: Africa

Public employment programmes must not entrench dependency, but create pathways to skills, work experience, and long-term opportunities.

This was a message delivered by Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the 2026 Annual Labour School held at Kevits Kroon in Pretoria on Sunday.

Addressing delegates, the Deputy President said South Africa stands at a “decisive moment” in its democratic journey, where policy choices and collective action will shape the country’s economic and social future.

He called on organised labour and broader society to return to the foundational principles of the liberation struggle, anchored in three enduring pillars, including mobilisation, education, and unity.

“These pillars must guide us as we confront the defining challenges of our time [including] global economic instability, widening inequality, and the disruptive impact of technological change,” the Deputy President said.

Mashatile traced the roots of labour activism to historic milestones such as the 1973 Durban strikes, when mass strikes revived Black unionism and the fire that forced recognition of Black unions in 1979, and the formation of Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in 1985, which played a pivotal role in undermining apartheid.

He also acknowledged the contributions of other labour formations, including the National Council of Trade Unions, the Federation of Unions of South Africa, and the more recent South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU), which emerged to continue the fight against job losses, inequality, and poverty.

The Deputy President warned that unemployment, particularly among young people, alongside deepening inequality and persistent poverty, continue to scar our nation.

“These challenges must never be normalised,” he said, calling for a unified response bringing together workers, unions, communities, government, and society at large.

Mashatile outlined the priorities of the 7th Administration, which include driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and the cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

He noted that the 2026/27 Budget continues to prioritise social protection, with the social wage accounting for more than 60% of non-interest spending. At the same time, he said, government is expanding employment opportunities through infrastructure investment and the Presidential Employment Stimulus, particularly targeting young people and women.

Structural reforms under Operation Vulindlela are also addressing constraints in energy and logistics, laying the foundation for sustained, inclusive growth.

While acknowledging that the economy grew by 1.1% in 2025, with inflation eased to 3.0% in February 2026, Mashatile warned that economic growth must translate into meaningful job creation.

“Growth without jobs is not enough. True progress is measured not in statistics, but in lives uplifted, dignity restored and hope renewed,” the Deputy President said.

He stressed that public employment programmes must be designed to build skills and create sustainable opportunities rather than fostering dependency.

“This is how a capable state acts, protecting the vulnerable today while building productive capacity for tomorrow.’

Mashatile said formal employment is shrinking while precarious work is on the rise, leaving many workers live with uncertainty.

He called for stronger protections against exploitation, expand access to secure employment, and enforce health and safety standards without compromise.

“No worker should lose their life or livelihood due to non-compliance,” he said.

Mashatile also urged trade unions to evolve beyond traditional wage negotiations to play a more active role in shaping macroeconomic policy, supporting labour-intensive investment, and driving skills development and job creation.

As Chair of the Human Resource Development Council, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to aligning education and training with labour market needs.

Technology must empower workers, not replace them

The Deputy President highlighted the growing impact of artificial intelligence across sectors, such freight logistics at Transnet and energy, warning that technological change must not come at the expense of workers’ dignity.

“While these innovations improve efficiency, they also reshape jobs and demand new skills. Our responsibility is clear, no worker must be managed or dismissed by an algorithm alone; workers must share in productivity gains; displaced workers must be retrained and supported,” he said.

Mashatile also challenged labour federations to consider developing a Digital Workers’ Charter, grounded in the right to retraining; data sovereignty; digital dignity; human oversight in all automated systems.

On social challenges, he acknowledged the housing difficulties faced by many public servants who fall outside eligibility for subsidised housing but cannot afford mortgage finance. He noted that government is working on innovative housing solutions that ensure access to affordable, quality housing.

He emphasised the importance of strengthening social dialogue through platforms such as the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC). – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa will this afternoon attend South Africa’s LIV Golf tournament at Steyn City in Johannesburg.

The event marks the first time the LIV Golf League is being staged on African soil, and the first edition in South Africa, making it a historic new addition to the continent’s growing schedule of international events.

The LIV Golf League is regarded as a revolutionary professional golf format designed to complement traditional tournaments while bringing new levels of excitement and engagement to fans and players alike.

With events across the world, LIV Golf aims to revitalise the sport, attract new audiences, and create innovative traditions while remaining rooted in the sport’s heritage.

Its global social programs also seek to positively impact the lives of young people across communities.

“The South African edition represents a unique opportunity to showcase the country as a premier sporting destination while inspiring a new generation of golfers and sporting enthusiasts,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The four-day Steyn City competition features top international players, including first-rate South Africans. – SAnews.gov.za
 

South Africa has reiterated its commitment to translating global commitments into concrete national programmes that advance the rights, dignity and empowerment of all women and girls.

The commitment was made at the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), held at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York from 9 to 19 March 2026.

South Africa concluded its participation at CSW70 with a renewed pledge to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls through strong multilateral cooperation and decisive national action.

Led by Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, the South African delegation joined the global community to review progress, share best practices, and reinforce collective efforts to accelerate gender equality.

During the session, South Africa reaffirmed the enduring importance of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as a cornerstone global framework for advancing women’s rights and achieving substantive equality for women and girls.

The country used the CSW70 platform to highlight several priorities. These included the need for stronger multilateral cooperation to address persistent gender inequalities and to ensure that international commitments translate into tangible improvements in the lives of women and girls.

South Africa also underscored the urgency of advance access to justice, calling for the elimination of discriminatory laws, policies and practices that undermine gender equality and restrict women’s participation in society.

In addition, the delegation emphasised the importance of addressing structural barriers that continue to hinder women’s full economic, political, and social participation. This includes intensified efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV), promote women’s leadership, and ensure equal access to economic opportunities.

“South Africa [further] reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the voices and experiences of women from the Global South are reflected in global decision-making processes,” the department reported in a statement on Sunday.

In a significant development, South Africa was appointed to serve in the CSW70 communications work group, reinforcing the country’s growing leadership role in advancing global gender equality.

Acting in its capacity as Interim Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), South Africa also presented a Resolution on Women, the Girl Child and HIV and AIDS on behalf of the bloc’s 16 Member States. The resolution was adopted by consensus during the closing session of CSW70.

“South Africa remains steadfast in its conviction that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a vital foundation for a peaceful, just, and sustainable world,” the department said.

The country has committed to continue to collaborate with the international community to ensure that the outcomes of CSW70 contribute meaningfully to both global and domestic efforts to build inclusive societies where women and girls can thrive. – SAnews.gov.za

KwaZulu-Natal Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, has called on districts that are yet to receive vaccinations against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) to prepare adequately, and to present their cattle at dip tanks as scheduled.

As vaccination efforts are underway in the uMzimkhulu Local Municipality within the Harry Gwala District, the MEC has encouraged farmers across the province to get ready for their turn to receive vaccines manufactured in Türkiye.

Madlopha-Mthethwa said a total of 73 451 vaccinations have been administered on 85 dairy farms across three municipalities in Harry Gwala District’s four municipalities. These include Greater Kokstad (29 399), Johannes Phumani Phungula (16 405) and Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma (28 007).

She noted that vaccination teams have performed 75 dip tanks in the uMzimkhulu area, bringing the total number of vaccinations in the Harry Gwala District to more than 103,300. Vaccinations are set to continue until the weekend in uMzimkhulu and in selected locations within Greater Kokstad.

This includes 9,119 vaccines administered on Thursday, 19 March 2026, in uMzimkhulu, which has the largest cattle population in the district.

Following a demonstration of vaccine administration at Mhlaba dip tank, the MEC urged other districts to start preparations ahead of the rollout.

“We are encouraged to see many livestock farmers visiting our dip tanks to have their cattle vaccinated. After wrapping up in Harry Gwala District, we will proceed to other districts,” the MEC said.

She commended dedicated teams, led by department’s veterinary services, for their efforts in administering the vaccines, adding that the province aims to ensure comprehensive vaccine coverage.

“Our goal is to ensure every cattle in the province receives this crucial vaccination. We are leaving no one behind. We will announce vaccination dates for other districts soon and request that everyone to be prepared,” the MEC said.

A local livestock farmer at Mhlaba Diptank, Pheza Madziba, welcomed the initiative and called for sustained government support.

“We appreciate the MEC’s efforts in ensuring our cattle are vaccinated. She has come down and rolled her sleeves by administering vaccines. We would also like to request the department to continue with vaccinations even during winter seasons, as well as animal supplements to boost the immune system of our livestock,” Madziba said.

The MEC urged farmers to cooperate with government by adhering to strict biosecurity measures, including animal control restrictions.

“We also request that your livestock not be allowed to roam around freely on roads and in people’s fields. We do not allow livestock to be transported without valid veterinary permits,” she said.

Meanwhile, dairy farmers represented by the Milk Producers Organisation have administered 74 000 doses out of the 90 000 allocated.

According to the department, the organisation represents a cattle population of approximately 180 000 dairy animals in the Harry Gwala District. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa has reiterated its commitment to translating global commitments into concrete national programmes that advance the rights, dignity and empowerment of all women and girls.

The commitment was made at the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), held at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York from 9 to 19 March 2026.

South Africa concluded its participation at CSW70 with a renewed pledge to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls through strong multilateral cooperation and decisive national action.

Led by Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, the South African delegation joined the global community to review progress, share best practices, and reinforce collective efforts to accelerate gender equality.

During the session, South Africa reaffirmed the enduring importance of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as a cornerstone global framework for advancing women’s rights and achieving substantive equality for women and girls.

The country used the CSW70 platform to highlight several priorities. These included the need for stronger multilateral cooperation to address persistent gender inequalities and to ensure that international commitments translate into tangible improvements in the lives of women and girls.

South Africa also underscored the urgency of advance access to justice, calling for the elimination of discriminatory laws, policies and practices that undermine gender equality and restrict women’s participation in society.

In addition, the delegation emphasised the importance of addressing structural barriers that continue to hinder women’s full economic, political, and social participation. This includes intensified efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV), promote women’s leadership, and ensure equal access to economic opportunities.

“South Africa [further] reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the voices and experiences of women from the Global South are reflected in global decision-making processes,” the department reported in a statement on Sunday.

In a significant development, South Africa was appointed to serve in the CSW70 communications work group, reinforcing the country’s growing leadership role in advancing global gender equality.

Acting in its capacity as Interim Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), South Africa also presented a Resolution on Women, the Girl Child and HIV and AIDS on behalf of the bloc’s 16 Member States. The resolution was adopted by consensus during the closing session of CSW70.

“South Africa remains steadfast in its conviction that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a vital foundation for a peaceful, just, and sustainable world,” the department said.

The country has committed to continue to collaborate with the international community to ensure that the outcomes of CSW70 contribute meaningfully to both global and domestic efforts to build inclusive societies where women and girls can thrive. – SAnews.gov.za

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has reiterated its commitment to working closely with farmers to curb the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and safeguard the livestock industry.

This comes as the province significantly accelerated its Foot and Mouth Disease vaccination campaign, with efforts currently underway across all local municipalities in a bid to contain the outbreak and protect the province’s livestock and agricultural economy.

The department reported that over 111, 297 animals have been vaccinated to date, with intensified operations continuing daily and over weekends to maximize coverage.

The campaign follows the confirmation of 190 FMD cases across the province, affecting cattle, pigs, and goats.

Cattle account for the majority of infections, with 186 reported cases, while pigs account for three cases and goats one. District-level figures reveal 61 cases in Dr Kenneth Kaunda, 56 in Bojanala, 37 in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and 36 in Ngaka Modiri Molema.

North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said the arrival of vaccines from Turkey (Dolvet) has further accelerated the campaign, with additional consignments expected to sustain the momentum.

Speaking at a recent vaccination campaign site, Sambatha said the department has intensified the campaign by putting all available resources to curb the spread of the disease.

“The fight against Foot and Mouth Disease is a fight for the heart of our province’s economy. Every vaccinated animal represents a victory for food security, rural livelihoods, and the dignity of our farmers,” the MEC said.

He assured farmers in villa88ges which have not yet been reached that vaccination teams would be deployed soon.

“No community will be left behind. This campaign belongs to all of us, and together we will overcome it.”

The department has encouraged farmers and industry stakeholders to report any suspected cases to local veterinary offices to enable swift intervention.

Farmers have also been urged to ensure their animals are properly tagged with permanent identification numbers to speed up vaccination efficiency and traceability. – SAnews.gov.za