Category: Africa

With Gerda Steyn and George Kusche having won the 2026 Comrades Marathon, Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, is set to attend the marathon’s prize-giving ceremony this afternoon.

Steyn won the women’s Comrades while Kusche clinched the men’s marathon on Sunday.

The Deputy Minister, who is attending the 99th edition of the Ultimate Human Race, is also showing support for two runners representing the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

“[The Deputy Minister] is also forming part of the key dignitaries receiving the male and female winners from number 1 to 10, including the prize-giving ceremony set to start at 2:30,” the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture said.

Ahead of the race, government extended its well wishes and support to the thousands of local and international athletes participating in the historic Comrades Marathon.

“To all the athletes, volunteers, organisers, medical teams, security personnel, and support crews working tirelessly behind the scenes: Ska Fela Moya — never give up,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said.

READ | Well wishes for Comrades Marathon participants

On Wednesday, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) said it has put comprehensive safety and security measures in place for the race.

“Over 21 000 runners will participate in the 99th edition of the Ultimate Human Race. The route has been declared a no-fly zone, hotspot areas have been identified, and law enforcement, private security, and marshals will be deployed to ensure a safe and incident-free event,” it said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) have welcomed a judgment by the Western Cape High Court declaring procurement processes and service agreements related to the student funding payment system unlawful and invalid.

The ruling was delivered in the matter of eZaga Holdings (Pty) Ltd v NSFAS and Others (Case No. 9526/2024).

In a joint statement issued on Saturday, NSFAS and the SIU said the judgment marks a significant milestone in the unwavering commitment to uphold good governance, transparency, and accountability in the administration of public funds.

The court found that the procurement process undertaken by NSFAS, as well as the Service Level Agreements (SLAs) concluded with eZaga Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Coinvest Africa (Pty) Ltd, Noracco Corporation (Pty) Ltd and Tenet Technology (Pty) Ltd, were unconstitutional, unlawful and invalid.

The court also found that the procurement process was marred by a range of irregularities, including improper tender cancellations, irregular drafting and approval of bid documents, non-compliance with mandatory procurement requirements and inadequate internal controls.

The court upheld NSFAS’s contention regarding the procurement irregularities and recognised NSFAS’s constitutional duty to address these irregularities.

“The judgment not only vindicates our efforts in identifying and addressing significant governance failures but also reinforces our resolve to root out maladministration and safeguard the integrity of public procurement processes, ensuring that resources entrusted to NSFAS are used in the best interests of South Africa’s students,” the statement said.

The court, however, found no evidence that the appointed service providers were involved in maladministration, corruption or other improprieties linked to the procurement process.

As a result, the court awarded just and equitable compensation to the affected service providers, allowing them to claim reasonable expenses and profits demonstrably incurred under the now-invalidated SLAs. The process for determining these claims will be subject to strict scrutiny and independent verification, ensuring fairness and accountability for all parties.

NSFAS said it will engage constructively with the affected service providers to give effect to the compensation process as ordered by the court.

The student funding agency and the SIU reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding public resources and restoring public confidence in the administration of student financial aid.

“We wish to reassure all stakeholders, including students, parents, and the public, that NSFAS remain steadfast in their dedication to upholding integrity and restoring confidence in the administration of student financial aid,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya has led a multidisciplinary high-impact inspection blitz targeting labour law violations, immigration non-compliance, and related criminal activities in Tshwane.

Conducted on Friday, the inspection formed part of government’s intensified enforcement strategy following resolutions of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster.

It was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD), Gauteng Crime Wardens, and the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA).

Inspectors conducted unannounced visits to several workplaces, including City Medical West in Pretoria and various businesses within the Pretoria central business district.

The inspections focused on ensuring compliance with key labour legislation, including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), National Minimum Wage Act (NMWA), Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Unemployment Insurance Act (UIA), and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA).

These efforts form part of the department’s broader mandate to promote fair labour practices, safeguard vulnerable workers, and advocate for safe and compliant workplaces. Labour inspectors, empowered by legislation, exercised their authority to enter premises without prior notice to assess compliance and take necessary enforcement action.

The inspections uncovered a number of alleged violations, including the employment of undocumented foreign nationals and breaches of labour legislation. As a result, a total of 35 foreign nationals were detained and taken to Pretoria West Police Station for further processing.

Legal action was instituted, and three individuals were charged under Section 49(6) of the Immigration Act for working while in possession of visitor visas. Two employers were charged for allegedly employing 32 undocumented foreign nationals and three individuals without valid work visas.

Employer arrested for facilitating illegal immigration
In a separate case, an employer was arrested for allegedly facilitating illegal immigration through the employment of undocumented workers.

In addressing safety and compliance concerns identified during inspections, the City of Tshwane was also requested to disconnect electricity at certain premises.

Speaking during the operation, Sibiya emphasised the importance of ensuring visible impact through such coordinated operations, reaffirming government’s commitment to decisive enforcement of labour and immigration legislation.

“These inspections are not only punitive in nature but are also aimed at advancing social justice, protecting workers from exploitation, and ensuring that all employers operate within the bounds of the law.”

The Deputy Minister urged employers to comply fully with labour and immigration laws, ensure that all employees are properly documented, and maintain fair and safe working conditions.

Workers were also encouraged to familiarise themselves with their rights and report cases of exploitation or unsafe working environments. Communities were also urged to support law enforcement agencies by reporting suspected non-compliance or unlawful activities.

The department said government will continue to intensify joint compliance operations as part of broader efforts to promote a fair, safe, and just labour market for all. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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As part of efforts to expand market access and streamline travel through digital innovation, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has met with Mexico’s Vice Secretary of Tourism, Dr Nathalie Desplas Puel, and the Secretary of Tourism of Mexico City, Alejandra Frausto, to showcase South Africa’s tourism offering.

“During the opening week of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Mexico, Minister de Lille met with Mexico’s Vice Secretary of Tourism, Dr Nathalie Desplas Puel, the Secretary of Tourism of Mexico City, Alejandra Frausto and more than 40 leading Mexican tour operators to showcase South Africa’s tourism offering and promote the benefits of the Electronic Travel Authorisation [ETA] system,” the Ministry of Tourism said on Sunday.

The FIFA World Cup kicked off on Thursday. This year’s World Cup is being hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.

“With a population of more than 130 million people and a rapidly expanding middle and upper-income traveller segment, Mexico has been identified as one of South Africa’s priority growth markets,” said the Ministry.

It added that Mexico is among the largest outbound travel markets in Latin America, presenting significant opportunities to increase visitor numbers, strengthen tourism ties and unlock greater economic benefits for both countries.

South Africa has already seen encouraging growth from the market, and over the past three years, arrivals from Mexico have increased at an average rate of 13%.

The introduction of the ETA system is expected to further accelerate this growth by making travel to South Africa faster, simpler and more accessible for Mexican travellers. The Minister said the ETA represents a significant step forward in removing barriers to travel.

“This visa reform makes it easier than ever for Mexican travellers to visit our beautiful country. Applicants can apply from the comfort of their homes using a computer or mobile phone and receive their visa within 24 hours. Ease of access is one of the most powerful drivers of tourism growth, and we are already seeing strong interest from key international markets,” she said.

An Electronic Travel Authorisation is a digital authorisation that allows prospective travellers from eligible visa-required countries to travel to South Africa for tourism or visitor purposes without the need for a traditional visitor’s visa. 

READ | SA rolls out Electronic Travel Authorisation

According to the Ministry, engagements between the Minister and the Mexican officials also focused on strengthening tourism cooperation between the two countries and identifying practical measures to increase visitor flows.

Building on the 2014 Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the United Mexican States and the Government of the Republic of South Africa, which is currently under review, the two countries have agreed to a three-year Tourism Action Plan (2026 – 2029) aimed at stimulating travel and tourism growth.

Priority areas for implementation include joint destination marketing, sports and culture tourism promotion, participation in tourism trade fairs, knowledge sharing and the expansion of air connectivity.

De Lille said improving connectivity remains central to South Africa’s tourism growth ambitions.

“Air access is a key pillar of the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan. The challenge before us is how we reduce the friction of travel between our countries and make South Africa more accessible to Mexican travellers. Stronger connectivity creates stronger tourism flows, deeper people-to-people ties and greater economic opportunities,” she explained.

Expanding SA’s air network
South Africa is already making significant progress in expanding its international air network.

On 24 June 2026, Spanish carrier Air Europa will launch its inaugural direct flight between Madrid and Johannesburg.

In July, Brazilian carrier LATAM Airlines will add three weekly direct flights between São Paulo and Cape Town.

“These new routes will strengthen South Africa’s connectivity with Latin America and Europe, creating additional opportunities to attract visitors from Mexico and supporting the country’s broader tourism growth agenda.

As South Africa continues to expand market access, improve connectivity and streamline travel through digital innovation, Mexico remains a strategic partner in growing tourism, trade, and investment between Africa and Latin America,” said the Ministry. –SAnews.gov.za 

 

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The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has adopted a budget that directs the largest share of infrastructure investment towards communities facing the most significant service delivery backlogs and infrastructure challenges.

The budget prioritises investments in improving water security, upgrading sanitation infrastructure, strengthening electricity networks, rehabilitating roads, improving stormwater systems, and supporting human settlements development. It also seeks to safeguard the long-term financial sustainability of the municipality.

The municipality in the Eastern Cape said the allocations have been guided by the principle that limited public resources must be directed towards communities with the greatest need and where investment will have the greatest impact on service delivery, economic inclusion, and social development.

The budget follows an extensive Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget public participation process, which included engagements with residents, ward committees, community stakeholders and councillors across the metro.

This process ensured that the budget responds directly to the priorities identified by communities and reflects the realities experienced by residents on the ground.

The municipality said the budget is designed to balance two critical responsibilities, accelerating infrastructure development and service delivery, while safeguarding the municipality’s financial health.

The municipality’s investment strategy comes amid growing pressure on infrastructure networks, which have been affected by ageing assets, historic service backlogs and recurring flooding experienced across Nelson Mandela Bay over the past five years.

It prioritises investment in critical infrastructure, protects essential municipal assets, strengthens service delivery capacity and ensures that Nelson Mandela Bay remains financially resilient and capable of meeting its obligations to current and future generations.

The wards within the Lillian Diedericks Cluster, which predominantly include communities in the northern areas, have been allocated R158,825,580, representing 22% of the ward-based infrastructure allocation programme.

The Champion Galela Cluster, which includes New Brighton, KwaZakhele and surrounding communities, has been allocated R152,764,700, representing 21% of the total allocation; the Zola Qini Cluster, covering Kariega, KwaNobuhle and Despatch, has received R151,226,010; while the Alex Matikinca Cluster, which includes Motherwell, Colchester, Wells Estate and Amanzi Estate, has been allocated R124,450,510.

The Molly Blackburn Cluster, which includes Summerstrand, Central, South End and Humewood, has been allocated R88,080,200; the Govan Mbeki Cluster has been allocated R63,764,700.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, said these allocations support critical projects that will improve the reliability and sustainability of municipal services, including pipeline replacement programmes, upgrades to water and wastewater treatment facilities, electricity substation improvements, replacement of ageing cables, public lighting upgrades, road rehabilitation and stormwater infrastructure interventions.

“The budget demonstrates the municipality’s commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable and financially sustainable city. It reflects our commitment to ensuring that communities with the greatest infrastructure needs receive the investment required to improve their quality of life,” the Mayor said.
She added that the budget seeks to address long-standing infrastructure challenges while positioning Nelson Mandela Bay for future growth and development.

“We cannot ignore the realities facing communities that continue to experience infrastructure backlogs and service delivery challenges. This budget responds directly to those realities. At the same time, we have a responsibility to maintain financial discipline, protect the municipality’s long-term sustainability, and ensure that every rand spent delivers value for residents.”

Lobishe also emphasised that the success of the budget would ultimately be measured by the quality and pace of implementation.

“Our responsibility now is to ensure that these allocations translate into visible improvements in communities. Through strengthened oversight, improved project management and disciplined expenditure, we will work to ensure that infrastructure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the benefit of residents.

“A developmental municipality must invest where the need is greatest while maintaining the financial stability necessary to sustain services into the future. This budget achieves that balance. It prioritises the needs of residents, addresses critical infrastructure challenges and lays the foundation for economic growth, investment attraction and improved service delivery,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Gauteng Department of Social Development has called for the stronger protection, dignity, and equal treatment of persons with albinism.

 This as Saturday, 13 June, marked International Albinism Day. 

“Persons with albinism must be protected, respected, and treated with dignity. As government, we continue to work with communities to fight discrimination and ensure that no one is left behind,” Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said. 

Observed annually, the day raises awareness about the challenges faced by persons with albinism, including discrimination, social exclusion, and harmful myths that continue to affect safety and access to opportunities.

 “The department continues to work with communities, schools, and non-profit organisations to promote awareness, provide psychosocial support, and strengthen efforts to protect vulnerable groups,” the provincial department said in a statement. 

The department further encouraged communities to report any form of discrimination or abuse against persons with albinism and to support ongoing awareness efforts that promote understanding and acceptance. –SAnews.gov.za 

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