Category: English

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli says the courage displayed by the June 16 generation, 50 years ago, transformed the country forever.

“Many of those young people were not much older than the participants gathered in this hall today. They did not possess wealth, political office or institutional power,” Mhlauli said.

Addressing the Mpumalanga Provincial Youth Parliament in Mpumalanga, Mhlauli said those young people understood a truth that continues to resonate across generations, that young people have the capacity to shape history when they organise, participate and refuse to be silent in the face of injustice.

“The true legacy of the youth of 1976 lies not only in what they protested against, but in what they stood for,” Mhlauli said.

Mhlauli said the 1976 youth stood for dignity. They stood for equality. They stood for access to education. They stood for opportunity. They stood for the belief that young people should have a voice in determining the future of their country. 

“Today, the responsibility of our generation is different, but it is no less important. The youth of 1976 fought for freedom. 

“The youth of 2026 must use that freedom to build prosperous communities, strengthen democratic institutions, hold leaders accountable and create opportunities for future generations.

“They fought to secure a democratic South Africa. We must now ensure that our democracy delivers on its promise for a better life for all,” the Deputy Minister said.

The Deputy Minister told the young people that the Youth Parliament exists because democracy cannot be reduced to voting every five years.

“A healthy democracy requires continuous engagement between citizens and the institutions that serve them. It requires citizens who ask questions. It requires leaders who provide answers. It requires transparency, accountability and active participation.

“The concept behind this Youth Parliament recognises that young people continue to face serious challenges, including unemployment, poverty, economic exclusion, unequal access to opportunities and social vulnerability,” she said.

Mhlauli said the Youth Parliament recognises that young people are not merely beneficiaries of government programmes.

“They are partners in development. They are stakeholders in governance. They are active participants in shaping public policy and monitoring implementation.

“For many years, Youth Parliament has provided an important platform through which young people have influenced public discourse and contributed to policy development,” Mhlauli said.

Mhlauli said the impact of youth activism and youth engagement can be seen in numerous initiatives that have transformed opportunities for young South Africans.

“We have seen the establishment of institutions dedicated to youth development, including the National Youth Development Agency, Youth Directorates at Provincial and Municipal level, and other interventions aimed at expanding opportunities for young people.

“These achievements remind us that youth voices matter and that organised youth participation can influence the direction of public policy,” she said.

With regard to the coming Local Government elections, Mhlauli appealed the young people to register to vote, ensure that their names appears on the voters’ roll. 

“Verify your details. Make use of the online platforms that have been created to make registration easier and more accessible. 

“However, registration alone is not enough. Registration is only the first step. Once you have registered, you must also vote. A democracy cannot be strengthened by people who are registered but absent on Election Day. 

“The true power of citizenship lies not only in having the right to vote, but in exercising that right,” Mhlauli said. 

Mhlauli told the young people to confront the reality that there are many young South Africans who are uncertain about whether participate in elections still makes a difference.

“Many feel frustrated by the pace of change in their communities. Others question whether their vote has any real impact on the challenges they face every day. 

“Some have become disillusioned by instances of poor service delivery, unemployment, inequality and unfulfilled promises. These feelings are real and they should not be dismissed. If we are serious about strengthening our democracy, we must acknowledge these frustrations honestly and engage with them directly,” she said.

Mhlauli said the greatest mistake that young people can make is to conclude that because change has been slower than expected, participation no longer matters. 

“The truth is that democracy does not stop functioning when citizens choose not to participate. Decisions continue to be made. Budgets continue to be approved. Development priorities continue to be determined. 

“Councillors continue to be elected. Municipal projects continue to move forward. The only difference is that those decisions are made without the input of the very people who are most affected by them,” the Deputy Minister said. 

Government recently launched the national programme commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising.

The launch marked the start of a year-long government programme aimed at honouring the sacrifices of the 1976 student uprising, a defining moment in South Africa’s liberation struggle, while inspiring a new generation of young people. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa and Italy are seeking to strengthen agricultural trade, investment and technology cooperation, as the two countries move to deepen economic ties through a new partnership aimed at unlocking opportunities across the agricultural value chain.

Speaking at the inaugural South Africa-Italy Agribusiness Forum, currently underway in Cape Town, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said the relationship between the two countries had evolved beyond traditional trade and was entering a new phase focused on investment, innovation, agro-processing and job creation.

Steenhuisen said the relationship between two countries is already built on strong commercial foundations. Agricultural trade between South Africa and Italy currently exceeds R650 million annually, with South Africa maintaining a positive agricultural trade balance and horticultural exports alone valued at approximately R190 million.

“These figures tell an important story. They demonstrate that Italian consumers and businesses already recognise the quality of South African agricultural products. But they also suggest that we are only scratching the surface of what is possible.

“The real opportunity lies not simply in exporting more fruit, nuts and other agricultural products, but in combining South Africa’s production strengths with Italy’s world-renowned expertise in processing, packaging, technology and branding to create greater value across the entire supply chain,” Steenhuisen said.

The two-day forum, taking place on 9 and 10 June 2026, brought together business leaders, innovators and policymakers from both countries to explore new opportunities for investment, technology exchange and market access.

Held under the theme: “South Africa and Italy Building Resilient, Value-Added Agri-Business Partnerships: From the Soil to the Shelf”, the forum aims to advance economic development through international collaboration and promote sustainable growth within the agricultural sector.

Steenhuisen said South Africa’s strategic position as a gateway to African markets, coupled with the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), made the country an attractive partner for Italian investors seeking access to one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets.

He noted that South Africa and Italy possess complementary strengths that could support the development of integrated agricultural value chains spanning production, processing, logistics, technology, and retail.

The Minister highlighted opportunities for collaboration across several provinces. In the Western Cape, he said partnerships could be expanded in wine production, citrus and fisheries industries, food processing, and packaging technologies.

He said in Limpopo, where avocados, citrus, mangoes and nuts are driving agricultural growth, there are clear opportunities to work with regions such as Sicily, Calabria and Campania, which have developed sophisticated industries around fruit processing and Mediterranean crop systems.

“Whether through avocado oil production, fruit pulp processing, citrus value addition or export partnerships, there is considerable scope to build integrated value chains that create more value on both sides,” the Minister said.

He also noted that Mpumalanga’s macadamia and horticultural industries could benefit from Italian expertise in orchard technologies, precision agriculture, smart irrigation systems and advanced packaging solutions.

Similar opportunities exist in the Eastern Cape’s dairy and livestock industries, the grain-producing provinces of the Free State and North West, and KwaZulu-Natal’s sugar, forestry and subtropical fruit sectors.

“What emerges from this picture is not simply a trade relationship. It is the possibility of building integrated value chains that connect farms, processors, logistics providers, researchers, technology companies and retailers across both countries. This is exactly the kind of economic partnership we should be striving for,” Steenhuisen said.

The forum also focused on expanding cooperation in agricultural research, biosecurity and innovation. Steenhuisen said stronger collaboration between South Africa’s Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and Italy’s Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA) could help accelerate innovation, improve plant and animal health systems and strengthen resilience against emerging agricultural threats.

Framework for long-term cooperation

A key outcome of the forum is expected to be the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between South Africa and Italy. The agreement will provide a framework for long-term cooperation in areas including agricultural mechanisation, digital agriculture, agro-processing, technology transfer, extension services, seed development, soil health, and sanitary and phytosanitary measures.

The MoU will also establish a Joint Working Group tasked with ensuring that commitments made by both countries translate into practical projects and measurable outcomes.

Steenhuisen said the partnership would support South Africa’s objective of increasing value addition in the agricultural sector and help create jobs by expanding processing and manufacturing opportunities linked to agriculture.

“This forum is about far more than increasing trade volumes. It is about creating the commercial relationships, investments and technology exchanges that will enable both our countries to move further up the value chain,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) says the gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0,5% in the first quarter of 2026, indicating that the economy has maintained its positive momentum.

“Real GDP increased by 0,5%, marking a sixth consecutive quarter of growth. Finance, agriculture, trade and transport did the heavy lifting on the production (supply) side of the economy. The expenditure (demand) side was supported by a decline in imports and a rise in household consumption, government consumption and exports,” Stats SA said on Tuesday.

The finance industry was the main positive contributor on the production side of the economy, expanding by 0,9% and adding 0,2 of a percentage point to GDP growth. 

Agriculture, trade, and transport and communication also made notable contributions. 

For a sixth consecutive quarter, agriculture grew,  expanding by 3,9%.

“Field crops and horticulture products (particularly fruit) underpinned the industry’s stronger performance.

“The trade industry also extended its gains for a sixth straight quarter, supported by stronger wholesale trade, motor trade, food and beverages and accommodation. Retail trade was the exception, recording zero growth.

“Positive results from land transport, air transport and transport support services pushed the transport and communication industry higher by 0,7%,” Stats SA said.

However, economic activity in communications was down in the quarter.

Mining was stronger on the back of higher production levels for platinum group metals, gold, chromium ore and diamonds.

“Manufacturing misfired in the first quarter, weakening by 0,8%. This is the industry’s second consecutive decline, dragged lower mainly by the petroleum and chemicals; iron and steel; and wood, paper and publishing divisions. 

“Glass and non-metallic mineral products, motor vehicles and transport equipment, electrical machinery and textiles and clothing were stronger, but not enough to lift the industry into positive territory,” Stats SA said.

Expenditure on GDP 

The expenditure side of the economy was lifted by weaker imports, together with a rise in household consumption, government consumption and exports.

Household consumption expanded by a marginal 0,1%, the lowest growth rate in eight quarters. 

Household utilities (such as water and electricity) and transport were the largest positive contributors.

Consumers spent less on food and non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics. 

“This was consistent with the zero per cent growth rate in retail trade on the production side of the economy. Spending on restaurants and hotels was also down. The miscellaneous goods and services category was the most significant negative contributor, reflecting a decline in insurance expenditure.

“Following two consecutive increases, capital formation pulled back in the first quarter, declining by 1,1%. This was mainly due to a decrease in investments in machinery and other equipment and residential buildings,” Stats SA said.

The slowdown in imports was largely influenced by weaker trade in precious metals, mineral products, machinery and electrical equipment, textiles and textile articles, and animal and vegetable fats and oils. 

Exports rose by 0,5%, driven by a rise in the trade of mineral products, vegetable products (reflecting the rise in the production of fruit in the agricultural industry), and prepared foodstuffs, beverages and tobacco.

The manufacturing, trade and mining industries dipped into their stockpiles to meet demand, resulting in an annualised R22,4 billion drawdown in inventories. 

Manufacturing’s drawdown was the largest (-R14,5 billion).

The impact of the conflict in the Middle East

The conflict in the Middle East began towards the end of February, and continued more than halfway through the first quarter. 

Stats SA said the impact of the conflict in the Middle East was felt in the sharp fuel price increases in April, which may reflect in the second quarter GDP estimates. 

These will be released on 08 September 2026. –SAnews.gov.za

Government will launch the Milestones of Freedom Campaign next week under the theme: “Honouring the Past, Delivering the Future” at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

The campaign commemorates several landmark anniversaries in South Africa’s history, including the 30th Anniversary of the Constitution; 50 years since the Soweto Uprising, 60 years since the District Six removals and 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March.

The Milestones of Freedom campaign combines the commemoration of key moments in the country’s democratic journey with a drive to bring government services directly to communities.

Cabinet has approved a year-long programme aimed at celebrating constitutional values, strengthening civic participation and promoting social cohesion.

Planned activities include public dialogues, civic education programmes, cultural events, youth engagements and commemorative events at historic sites across the country.

Speaking at a panel discussion in Pretoria recently, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel said these milestones served as a reminder that democracy was hard-won and required continued commitment from both government and citizens.

“The campaign is not only about remembrance. It is about action,” he said.

The broader Milestones of Freedom campaign does not only focus on remembering South Africa’s democratic gains but would also prioritise practical interventions aimed at improving the lives of citizens.

“It is about bringing essential services to communities across the country – from IDs and birth certificates, to health outreach events, access to housing opportunities, and support for small businesses and youth entrepreneurs,” Nel said.

According to the Deputy Minister, the commemoration will be a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” initiative involving government departments, Chapter 9 institutions, civil society organisations, educational institutions, business, organised labour, traditional leaders, religious organisations and youth formations.

Government has encouraged South Africans to reflect on the role of the Constitution in their daily lives and to recommit themselves to the values of democracy, equality, dignity and freedom.

Nel also called on organisations across society to adopt the practice of reciting the Constitution’s preamble at public events, describing it as a powerful reminder of the country’s shared history and aspirations. – SAnews.gov.za

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos says the team will be ready to face Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup this week.

The team has been training at its base camp in Pachuca, Mexico, since last week to help the players acclimatise to the altitude of 2,300 metres above sea level.

Since arriving, Bafana Bafana have been preparing for the global spectacle, with millions of football fans around the world expected to tune in.

Broos said the South African senior men’s national team is eager to embrace the occasion when it takes on 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosts Mexico in the tournament’s opening match at a packed Estadio Azteca on Thursday, 11 June 2026.

Asked for his view of the Mexico national team, Broos described the side as formidable and said Bafana Bafana would have to be at their best.

“They are dangerous in every area. It is a very complete team, with a lot of movement and strong team spirit. We will have to be at our best if we want a good result. I watched the game against Serbia, and the way they played, especially in the first half hour, was fantastic.

“Their movement, aggression and solidarity stand out. The whole team attacks and the whole team defends. They are a very complete side, and it will be very difficult for us on Thursday. But a football match is a football match.

“We must not think we have no chance against Mexico, because that is not true either. But we have to prepare very well and play at our best level,” the head coach said.

Although the team will play in a stadium filled mostly with Mexican supporters, Broos said Bafana Bafana know South Africans are backing them from home.

“We all know there will be many Mexicans in the stadium and perhaps only a few South Africans, so we cannot count on strong support inside the venue. But we do know we have the support of the nation.

“We felt that in recent days, and during the past week when we began our preparations in South Africa. The whole country is behind us, and we are playing for everyone who believes in us,” he said. 

The coach was addressing members of the media ahead of the opening match.

Call to rally behind Bafana Bafana

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently called on South Africans to unite behind Bafana Bafana as the national men’s football team.

“They carry with them the best wishes of more than 62 million South Africans who will be cheering them on at every stage of the tournament. Bafana Bafana are taking part in the World Cup for the first time since we hosted the event in 2010,” the President said last Monday in his weekly newsletter to the nation.

The soccer tournament will be held in Mexico, the United States of America, and Canada.

President Ramaphosa said the country’s journey mirrors that of the national football team, noting that South Africa has emerged from a challenging period and is looking ahead with renewed optimism.

“Much like the national squad, the country has emerged from a prolonged period of difficulty and now looks to the future with hope,” he said. 

He pointed to the country’s democratic progress, the strength of its Constitution, the launch of the National Dialogue process and signs of economic recovery as reasons for growing confidence in the future.

The President urged citizens to celebrate not only the team’s achievements but also the progress South Africa has made in building a united, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society.

“So, as we cheer our team on from the stands, at fan zones and in our homes, we should also cheer ourselves on as a country. We should celebrate how far we have come in building a united, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa,” the President said. 

He concluded by calling for unity as South Africans support the national team on the world stage. 

“For 90 minutes, as they play for our country, we will not be divided by language, race, province, club or circumstance. For 90 minutes, as they play, we will simply be South Africans standing together behind our national team and behind our flag.

“One Team. One Nation. Behind Bafana. Behind South Africa. United by our Flag, inspired by our Team. 62 million cheering voices. One Dream,” the President said. –SAnews.gov.za

By Moahlodi Maphori 
As South Africa marks Youth Month in June, we are reminded that the future of the country depends on how effectively the nation supports, empower and invest in young people today. 

Government remains committed to expanding access to skills development, employment opportunities and funding support so that more young people can participate meaningfully in the economy.

What critically stands out from the generation of 1976, is their robust courage, resilience and a deep commitment to justice in the face of oppression. Their legacy continues to remain vibrant and continues to inspire us. 

Today’s young people continue to face challenges, particularly unemployment, poverty and limited access to opportunities. The spirit of 1976 should inspire all of us, government, private-sector and civil society organisations to respond with urgency, practical support and a shared determination to build a more inclusive future that leaves no one behind. 

The current generation has access to a range of platforms through which they can express their views and engage on issues that affect their lives. Young people have a right to raise their concerns and to be heard. At the same time, meaningful participation must be supported by access to accurate information about available programmes, skills development pathways and economic opportunities.

Empowerment begins when young people are equipped to make informed choices about their future. 
Government has launched the Golden Jubilee Commemoration of the 1976 Youth Uprising under the theme “RESET@50 – The Future Calls”. 

The Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga reminded the nation that this national programme is not only about remembrance, but also about action. 

It creates space to reflect on the sacrifices of the youth of 1976 while focusing attention on the opportunities, partnerships and interventions needed to support young people in the present.

The practical step is to encourage young people to venture into entrepreneurship. This route is vital because it has the potential to help the youth see themselves as future big enterprise owners, prominent innovators, and employers who can shape their own destinies and contribute enormously to the growth of the country’s economy. 

Government also offers multiple programmes to support young entrepreneurs, including financial assistance, business development services, and skills training. However, these must be made easier to access, especially for young people in communities that continue to face exclusion and inequality. Government’s task must be to ensure that support reaches those who need it most and that young people are able to convert opportunity into meaningful economic participation. 

Government has repeatedly committed to opening procurement opportunities and reducing red tape that makes it difficult for businesses, especially black-owned enterprises, to participate meaningfully in the economy. For young people, this creates a pathway to turn ambition into enterprise and to see entrepreneurship not as a distant ideal, but as a practical route to opportunity, inclusion and long-term economic participation. 

One example is the National Youth Development Agency’s “Phanda Thursday” initiative, a weekly outreach programme designed to bring youth development services, economic opportunities and government support closer to communities. This initiative responds directly to the challenge of youth unemployment and the need for more integrated service delivery across the country.

Government also continues to implement programmes that help young people gain skills and work experience. These include the Expanded Public Works Programme, learnerships and internships, as well as the National Rural Youth Service Corps, which supports unemployed rural youth through training and development opportunities. These programmes demonstrate that practical support is available and must continue to be expanded.

To build on this momentum, stronger partnerships are needed across society. The private sector, civil society, community media and digital platforms all have a role to play in opening doors for young people.

By working together access to information can be improved to connect job seekers to work opportunities, support youth-owned enterprises and social and economic inclusion can be strengthened. 

*Maphori is the acting economic cluster coordinator, Government Communication and Information System.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Finance, Francois Rodgers, has allocated R6.5 million to the Provincial Supply Chain Management (SCM) Unit within the provincial Treasury department to strengthen support for municipalities.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the department explained that the R6.5 million earmarked for the SCM Unit will fund targeted interventions aimed at addressing persistent weaknesses in municipal financial management, particularly the growing levels of Unauthorised, Irregular, Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure (UIFWE).

UIFWE has increased from R13.478 billion in June 2024 to R15.712 billion in June 2025, with 10 municipalities accounting for R11.490 billion collectively.

In addition, a further R6 million has been allocated to the Provincial Accountant-General’s Office to enhance its work with the Department of Education.

The allocations form part of R17 million in savings realised within the MEC’s Ministry during the 2025/26 financial year. The move reflects the provincial government’s ongoing commitment to redirecting resources towards improving financial governance, fighting corruption, and enforcing compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

Rodgers said the continued rise in irregular and wasteful expenditure is unacceptable and undermines service delivery.

“Through these targeted interventions, we are strengthening oversight, closing governance gaps, and ensuring that municipalities comply fully with the MFMA,” Rodgers said.

While eThekwini and uMsunduzi Municipalities are receiving support directly from National Treasury, focused assistance from the provincial Treasury will be provided to eight municipalities.

The support will be given to the municipalities through the development and implementation of UIFWE reduction strategies, strengthening SCM governance and compliance, improving contract management, and building technical capacity among officials.

The municipalities set to benefit are uMkhanyakude District Municipality, Mtubatuba Local Municipality, uThukela District Municipality, AbaQulusi Local Municipality, uMzinyathi District Municipality, Mpofana Local Municipality, Newcastle Local Municipality, and Zululand District Municipality.

The MEC said the balance of the savings, amounting R4.5 million, will be allocated to the implementation of the Provincial Financial Recovery Plan.

These interventions build on Rodgers’ reform-driven approach, including his decision in the 2024/25 financial year to reinvest savings from the department into the development of a digital procurement system aimed at reducing opportunities for fraud and corruption within supply chain processes. – SAnews.gov.za
 

South Africa’s growing export performance is helping to drive economic growth, support jobs and create new opportunities for producers, as government continues its efforts to build an economy that works for all South Africans.

New trade data released by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) shows that the country recorded a preliminary trade surplus of R15.2 billion in April 2026, while agricultural exports rose by 11% during the first quarter of the year, reflecting growing demand for South African products in international markets.

The positive export performance comes as government continues to implement measures aimed at expanding market access for local producers, strengthening key sectors of the economy and creating conditions for sustainable job creation.

This surplus was attributable to exports of R190.6 billion and imports of R175.4 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia. 

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has welcomed the 11% increase in agricultural exports during the first quarter of 2026. New data released by Agbiz showed agricultural exports reached US$3.7 billion in the first three months of the year compared with the same period in 2025.

According to the Minister, the growth was driven by exports of products including grapes, apples, pears, maize, wine, apricots, cherries, peaches, sugar, wool, fruit juices, nuts, avocados, pineapples, guavas, mangos and soya beans.

SARS said overall export growth in April was driven by higher exports of gold, platinum group metals (PGMs) and petroleum oils excluding crude. Export flows for April increased by 14.8% year-on-year, rising from R165.9 billion in April 2025 to R190.6 billion in April 2026.

The country’s year-to-date preliminary trade surplus reached R89.3 billion for the period from 1 January to 30 April 2026, more than double the R39.8 billion recorded during the same period last year.

Steenhuisen said the agricultural sector’s performance demonstrated the importance of expanding existing export markets and pursuing new opportunities for South African producers. 

He noted that continued export growth would depend on securing and protecting access to global markets.

The Minister highlighted recent market-access gains, including the conclusion of a Stone Fruit Protocol with China covering peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots and prunes, as well as the reopening of fresh apple exports to Thailand under strict phytosanitary conditions.

While export values remained strong, Steenhuisen cautioned that logistical inefficiencies continued to pose challenges for exporters. 

He pointed to operational delays and congestion at the Port of Cape Town during the peak table grape season, which resulted in cargo rerouting and financial losses for producers and exporters.

On a month-on-month basis, South Africa’s exports increased by R3.4 billion, or 1.8%, between March and April 2026. 

Imports rose by R18.5 billion, or 11.8%, driven by higher imports of petroleum oils excluding crude, electric generating sets and automatic data processing machines.

SARS also revised its March 2026 trade surplus figure downward. The preliminary surplus of R31.9 billion announced previously was reduced by R1.7 billion due to ongoing Vouchers of Correction (VOCs), resulting in a final surplus of R30.2 billion. – SAnews.gov.za