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As logistics and mobility reform remain one of the key pillars of government’s agenda for sustainable economic growth, South Africa plans to move up to 24 million tons of freight annually from 1 April next year.

“This will ensure more South African minerals, vehicles and agricultural produce reach international markets, securing jobs and earning much-needed revenue for our fiscus,” Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy said on Tuesday in Parliament.

Delivering the Budget Vote for the Department of Transport, Creecy announced that the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) will soon reveal the names of the first 11 private Train Operating Companies expected to help increase South Africa’s export volumes.

“An effective and efficient transport, mobility, and logistics system will unlock opportunity, restore competitiveness, reduce inequality and enable inclusive growth,” she said.

The Minister warned that South Africa faces growing competition from neighbouring countries investing in new rail and port infrastructure. 

“Consequently, logistics and mobility reform must be at the heart of our programme for long-term, sustainable economic growth. Improved rail and port infrastructure is already increasing throughput on key export corridors, ensuring improved network reliability, and achieving gains in job creation and emissions reduction,” the Minister said.

She tabled a R102 billion budget for the 2026/27 financial year aimed at building a transformed, inclusive and competitive transport system that serves commuters, freight operators and export industries.

“Significant strides have been made in unlocking investment and accelerating infrastructure delivery. The Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 Concession has reached financial close and will increase port handling capacity from 2.0 million to 2.8 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) a year,” the Minister said.

Creecy hailed the development as a bankable model for future public-private sector partnerships.

She said several Private Sector Participation projects are expected to move to market this year, including the Ngqura Manganese Export Corridor, Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal, and the Container Corridor between Gauteng and eThekwini.

“Through the Budget Facility for Infrastructure, R16.8 billion in public investment has already been approved and is in execution across the coal and iron ore lines and port infrastructure. Applications for a further R23.6 billion are being developed,” Creecy said.

Aviation sector

According to the Minister, the aviation sector continues to recover strongly and is contributing towards the target of 42 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of air freight moving through the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) network by 2029.

“ACSA recorded 37.498 million passenger arrivals and departures in the year to date, representing a significant increase from 34.508 million recorded in the previous year. 

“In relation to air cargo, strategic infrastructure investment is on track to commence in March 2027. This development is complemented by a focused sector strategy targeting high-value cargo segments, including pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, aerospace and defence, perishables, diamonds and metals, and automotive components,” Creecy said.

Taxi industry

Creecy said the taxi industry remains a vital part of South Africa’s transport system and one of the country’s largest black-owned sectors.

“In this new financial year, we are formally establishing the Transport Economic Regulator so that port and rail fees can be independently determined, ensuring a level playing field for all operators,” she said.

The government will also conclude the review of the Taxi Recapitalisation Grant this year.

The programme aims to promote the use of safe and compliant vehicles while providing a capital subsidy to encourage compliance within the industry.

“Work is being done between the Department, taxi associations and financial institutions to reduce the risks associated with the cost of new vehicles and provide affordable finance to taxi operators,” Creecy said.

She added that formalising the taxi industry is essential to unlocking further economic value.

The South African National Taxi Council has already piloted a cashless taxi route in Gauteng, marking an important step towards modernising and de-risking the sector.

“The taxi industry remains a key part of the national transport landscape and one of the largest black-owned sectors in the country, with annual revenue estimated at between R60 billion and R100 billion, contributing about 1.4% to Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Home Affairs has secured a significant victory against the abuse of the asylum system following a judgment handed down by the Constitutional Court in Director-General, Department of Home Affairs and Others v Irankunda and Another. 

In its majority ruling, the apex court upheld the department’s appeal against an earlier ruling from the Supreme Court of Appeal by confirming that repeat asylum applications are not permitted once an original application has been finally determined. 

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the department said the judgment marks another major step in its efforts to clamp down on abuse of the asylum system and restore the rule of law in the broader management of immigration and refugee matters. 

The ruling, which prohibits endless repeat applications by asylum seekers whose original applications have been rejected, comes just weeks after Cabinet approved the Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection. 

The policy introduces the first-safe-country principle aimed at ending the practice of asylum seekers “picking and choosing” South Africa as their preferred destination in the region. 

According to the department, the recent breakthroughs demonstrate that the department is making rapid progress in rebuilding these systems from the ground up to better serve South Africa’s interests. 

“This judgment from the highest court in the land is an affirmation of the unprecedented progress we are making in restoring the rule of law and clamping down on abuse in the migration and asylum systems. It further demonstrates that our commitment to systemic reform – not in opposition to but anchored in our Constitution – is rapidly resolving problems that once seemed insurmountable,” Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, said.  – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa’s tourism sector is regaining momentum, with President Cyril Ramaphosa declaring that tourism is far more than an economic driver – it is “a living expression of people”.

Addressing delegates at Africa’s Travel Indaba currently underway at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban, the President praised the resilience of the sector and the partnerships that helped it weather some of the toughest years faced by the global tourism industry.

“We take pride in the resilience of the tourism sector. We take pride in the partnerships that have carried us through some of the most challenging years the global tourism industry has faced,” Ramaphosa said.

The President revealed that South Africa welcomed 10.5 million international visitors last year, describing it as a strong indication that global travellers are rediscovering the country with renewed enthusiasm.

As part of efforts to unlock even greater tourism growth, Ramaphosa said South Africa is working with neighbouring countries to advance the SADC Tourism UNIVISA, which would allow seamless travel across SADC member states.

“When Africans travel within Africa, it strengthens economies, deepens cultural ties and builds a more integrated continent,” he said.

Government is also expanding one-stop border posts and developing cross-border tourism itineraries aimed at showcasing the richness and diversity of the region. Ramaphosa emphasised the need to promote South Africa’s unique cultural, historical and natural attractions, saying he was encouraged by the growing response to this call.

Highlighting Durban’s evolving tourism landscape, the President noted that the City of eThekwini recently unveiled statues of Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo, adding two new attractions to the city’s tourism offering.

“This demonstrates the importance of expanding and diversifying our tourism offering, catering to a broad range of domestic and international travellers,” he said.

Ramaphosa stressed that rising tourism figures translate into real benefits for ordinary South Africans.

“The increases we have seen in tourism figures are not merely of statistical interest. They represent families supported, small businesses revived and communities that are being uplifted,” he said.

According to Statistics South Africa, the tourism sector now accounts for nearly one million direct jobs in the country, meaning around one in every 18 workers is directly employed in tourism.

The President also hailed Africa’s Travel Indaba as one of the continent’s most influential tourism platforms. Last year’s event drew about 10 000 delegates and more than 1 300 exhibitors, showcasing the best of African tourism while contributing to local economic and social development.

“The benefits are felt not only in boardrooms but also in small businesses, township enterprises and the homes of ordinary South Africans,” Ramaphosa said.

He added that tourism growth depends heavily on connectivity, with South Africa strengthening its tourism presence in China, India, Southeast Asia, Mexico and Brazil – all rapidly growing outbound travel markets.

“Our new visa reforms, including the Electronic Traveller Authorisation system and the Digital Nomad Visa, are designed to make travel easier and more seamless. We must nurture these relationships, expand air access and ensure our tourism products meet visitors’ expectations,” he said.

Welcoming delegates to Durban, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said the city was proud to once again host the world.

“Tourism remains one of the most powerful tools for economic growth, job creation, and social inclusion,” Xaba said.

He noted that Africa’s Travel Indaba continues to unlock investment, partnerships and opportunities for communities across the continent. Durban, he said, is steadily positioning itself as Africa’s leading tourism and events destination through improved global connectivity and new airline routes linking the city to key domestic, regional and international markets.

“Improved air access is opening Durban to greater tourism and investment opportunities, while making our city more accessible to travellers and business delegates alike,” Xaba said.

The Mayor also highlighted the city’s growing sports tourism sector, saying Durban’s world-class stadiums and facilities continue to attract major international sporting events and thousands of visitors annually.

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille described tourism as an economic catalyst with life-changing impact.

“According to the recently released Statistics South Africa Satellite Account, by 2024 the tourism sector accounted for 954 000 direct jobs and contributed 4,9% to the country’s GDP. And with a record-breaking 10.5 million international arrivals in 2025, we are no longer speaking recovery – we are speaking growth,” De Lille said.

She said Cabinet’s approval of the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan in 2025, co-created with the private sector, marked a major step towards diversifying South Africa’s tourism offerings.

De Lille pointed to significant tourism investments already underway, including the R24 billion expansion of the V&A Waterfront, the R10.5 billion investment into Winelands Airport and the R2.1 billion Club Med Beach & Safari resort in KwaZulu-Natal, set to open in July.

The Minister added that the Department of Tourism continues to drive investment through the Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit.

Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 officially kicked off on Monday at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre with BONDay (Business Opportunity Networking Day), opened by Deputy Tourism Minister Makhotso Sotyu.

Held under the theme: “Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa’s Tourism Economy”, the Indaba runs from 11 to 14 May and brings together delegates, Ministers, exhibitors, buyers, media and tourism leaders from across Africa and the world.

The event coincides with Africa Month celebrations and provides a key platform to strengthen partnerships, unlock opportunities and shape a more inclusive tourism future that benefits communities, entrepreneurs and nations across the continent. – SAnews.gov.za

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has announced the arrival of a further two million doses of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine from Dollvet in Turkey, on Tuesday morning, bringing the total number of doses imported since late February to eight million.

The latest arrival forms part of an accelerated procurement drive, marking a major escalation in government’s war against Foot and Mouth Disease, and reinforcing the department’s commitments to biosecurity, food security, and the protection of rural livelihoods.

Steenhuisen said that with an additional five million doses expected to arrive shortly, South Africa’s total imported vaccine volume will rise to 13 million doses.

Combined with the two million doses secured last year from the Botswana Vaccine Institute, the Minister said the country is projected to have 15 million doses by the end of May 2026.

“This sends a clear signal of our determination to protect the national interest, defend our livestock industry, and win the war against FMD,” the Minister said.

He added that the vaccination campaign is aligned with the department’s strategic objective to vaccinate 80% of the national herd, comprising approximately 14 million cattle, by the end of December 2026.

The Minister emphasised that large-scale vaccination is central to South Africa’s long-term strategy of achieving and maintaining “FMD free with vaccination” status, while reducing the economic and social damage caused by recurring outbreaks.

“By securing vaccine volumes at this scale, the department is ensuring that the agricultural sector remains a resilient pillar of the economy, capable of meeting international animal health standards while safeguarding domestic food security and protecting export markets,” he said.

Regional cooperation strengthened

Steenhuisen also highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in tackling transboundary animal diseases, noting that “diseases do not respect borders.”

On Monday, 11 May 2026, the Minister joined Eswatini Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, along with representatives from Mozambique, in Hazyview, Mpumalanga, where 300 cattle were vaccinated in a demonstration of regional solidarity and coordinated action.

Reflecting on lessons from South America’s success in controlling FMD, Steenhuisen stressed that no country can defeat the disease in isolation.

“Cows do not carry passports. If one country acts alone, the risk remains for everyone. That is why we are working closely with our neighbours to build a truly regional response.

“We must move beyond simply reacting to outbreaks and establish a SADC antigen bank so that Southern Africa can rapidly access vaccines when they are needed most, without relying on lengthy international procurement processes,” Steenhuisen said.

SADC Ministerial meeting

Meanwhile, momentum around the regional strategy is expected to continue later this month, when Steenhuisen chairs a meeting of Southern African Development Community (SADC) agriculture ministers in Zimbabwe.

The meeting will focus on establishing a regional platform for animal movement control, livestock traceability, and coordinated response mechanisms for transboundary animal diseases.

Reaffirming government’s support for the agricultural sector, Steenhuisen acknowledged the toll the disease has taken on farming communities.

“We have seen the pain, uncertainty, and the economic damage this disease has inflicted on farming communities across our country. I have made a commitment that if we continue implementing this plan at scale and with urgency, this must be the last major Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak to devastate our people. We are fighting this disease with everything we have, and we stand firmly with our farmers,” Steenhuisen said. – SAnews.gov.za

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi tabled the department’s 2026/27 R26.3 billion budget in Parliament on Tuesday.

“The priorities for this financial year include fighting crime and corruption, increasing access to justice through improved efficiency and effectiveness of our systems, and deepening the transformation of the legal sector,” Kubayi said.

The Minister reiterated the department’s commitment to “contributing to establishing a criminal justice system that is preventative, responsive and effective” against the scourge of Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

“During the current financial year, an additional 20 sexual offences courts will be established in communities with the highest incidence of sexual offences to ensure a dedicated focus on these cases.

“In the last financial year, 40 courts were upgraded in line with the minimum standards for domestic violence. In the current financial year, 44 district courts will be upgraded in line with the minimum standards of this strategy to provide a new service model that is custom-made for victims of domestic violence,” Kubayi said.

The National Prosecuting Authority’s Thuthuzela Care Centres will also be increased. The centres act as one-stop facilities aimed at providing survivor centred support for GBV and rape victims.

These centres – critical to the country’s anti-rape strategy – are situated within public hospitals and integrate medical, legal and psychological services in a single location to minimize additional trauma and support the pursuit of justice.

“The NPA currently has 68 Thuthuzela Care Centres, and it will add 4 more in the 2026/27 financial year to bring the total to 72. SOCA unit will continue to enhance its work to ensure successful prosecutions of GBVF cases,” she added.

Justice for all

Kubayi told parliamentarians that the department is expanding access to justice for South Africa’s rural communities.

“[The] department has undertaken an initiative to extend additional court services to the courts that are historically serving as satellite points for larger magistrates’ courts.

“During this financial year, additional services will be extended to 19 courts across the country. This initiative is aimed at bringing justice services closer to rural and township communities, reducing travelling time and cost, and alleviating the caseloads at the main courts,” she said.

Court infrastructure will also be targeted.

“Regarding lower court infrastructure, a budget allocation of over R 463 million has been set aside for buildings and other fixed structures for financial year 2026/27.

“[Some] 186 projects at various stages of implementation will be funded from the allocation and priority will be given to projects already underway. The total budget allocation for minor works or maintenance of the courts across provinces is just over R48.5 million,” she said.

Transforming the sector

Kubayi noted that the Constitution enjoins government to empower, in particular, women and youth. In this regard, transformation is an “integral part of healing the divisions of the past and freeing the potential of each person”.

“For our part as government, we have made a commitment to the sector to implement a number of reforms so that we can alter our briefing patterns in favour of the blacks and women legal practitioners.

“The request for quotation (RFQ) system will be reviewed so that state attorney’s intent of diversifying briefing patterns of the state in favour of blacks and women is achieved. The office of the state attorney has commenced with the process of profiling legal professionals with the aim of creating a grading system which will be used in the allocation of briefs.

“The grading system will use number of years in practice to grade practitioners who wish to compete for work in the public sector so as to ensure that RFQs are compiled such that they are sent to legal practitioners of the same years of experience and cater for all genders,” she said.

Turning to management of state litigation, the Minister said government will use the intergovernmental National Litigation Forum to “ensure a coordinated approach between state attorneys and client departments”.

“This will ensure state briefing patterns are consistent across government and transformation policies are adhered to without exception.

“To deal with the backlog on state litigation, we are going to bring in legal experts who are going to help us assess the merits of each case to determine the best course of action on how to resolve the cases. This will help us to speedily reduce the litigation backlog and bring down the cost of litigation for the state,” Kubayi said.

The compensation of employees represents some 62% of the total budget of the department, coming in at R16.4 billion while R5.4 billion is set aside for goods and services.

A total of R3.8 billion will go to transfers and subsidies to public and constitutional entities and a further R2.75 billion is for magistrates’ salaries and R628.8 million for payments for capital assets.

“The budget was reduced by R332.108 million in 2026/27, driven by the downward revision of the inflation target, from 6% to 3%, and a function shift to the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) as part of phase 1 towards a single judiciary,” said the Minister. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) is expected to receive almost R31 billion this year to maintain, rehabilitate, upgrade and expand the road network.

“These funds will be used for capital expenditure on the non-toll network, the Gauteng Freeway Improvement project operations; the N2 Wild Coast route for ongoing construction on major bridges, and new road sections on our national highways as well as the development of the Moloto Road corridor,” Minister of Transport  Barbara Creecy said on Tuesday in Parliament.

The Minister was tabling the Department of Transport’s R102 billion Budget Vote, aimed at building a transformed, inclusive and competitive transport system that serves commuters, freight operators and export industries.

Creecy said the infrastructure projects are expected to improve road safety, shorten travel distances, and create more than 35 000 job opportunities while supporting over 2 000 small enterprises

“Investment in public infrastructure projects is a significant catalyst for job creation and economic development,” the Minister said.

However, the Minister raised concerns about ongoing challenges at provincial and municipal levels, where funding and in-house technical capacity for road maintenance often remain inadequate.

“Since 2013, provincial governments have transferred 13 000 kilometres of provincial roads to SANRAL for management and maintenance. 

“This is not a sustainable long-term strategy and will ultimately impact SANRAL’s ability to maintain the National Road Network without introducing widespread tolling,” Creecy said.

To address the issue, the government plans to convene a joint meeting between the National Treasury and the Department of Transport through the Minister and MECs (MINMEC) forum to explore mechanisms to frontload the Provincial Road Maintenance Grant, enabling provinces to upgrade priority roads sooner.

Commuter rail revival gains momentum

The revitalisation of the passenger rail system continues to go from strength to strength, with yearly passenger journeys surpassing 100 million at the end of March 2026. 

“This sixfold increase over four years reflects deliberate and sustained investment in infrastructure, rolling stock, security, and institutional reform. In Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, we are increasing train frequencies, improving security, reducing vandalism and ensuring connectivity for communities previously excluded from reliable transport services,” the Minister said.

At the end of 2025, a Request for Information (RFI) process for passenger rail was launched to gauge the appetite for investment in rapid regional rail, depot modernisation, rolling stock leasing, automated fare collection, and optic fibre installation.

“With current fiscal shortages, we are also in discussion with the National Treasury on frontloading mechanisms so we can conclude restoration of outstanding priority lines.

“Effective passenger rail systems must be integrated with other modes of transport to ensure safety and efficiency,” the Minister said.

Government reviewing the RAF system

Creecy said the department is reviewing the proposed Road Accident Fund Bill to reduce contingent state liability through the introduction of a no-fault system and a standardised injury compensation framework.

The Road Accident Fund is responsible for compensating and rehabilitating people injured in motor vehicle accidents within South Africa.

However, the entity continues to face mounting pressure due to a growing backlog of claims, legal challenges and severe financial constraints linked to the country’s high rate of road accidents.

Government is also exploring a hybrid funding model that would combine private and public contributions to reduce pressure on the fiscus.

“We wish to emphasise today that road safety is a national crisis. Last year, South Africa lost over 11 418 lives on our roads, one of the worst rates globally,” Creecy said.  –SAnews.gov.za