Category: Africa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

READ | Government welcomes Fitch rating upgrade

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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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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