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Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has named unemployment as one of the most pressing challenges confronting the province.

The Premier was speaking during an engagement led by President Cyril Ramaphosa between the National Executive and the provincial government on Friday.

Statistics South Africa’s Q4:2025 Quarterly Labour Force Survey released last month placed the province’s official unemployment rate at some 37.2% – second only to the Eastern Cape with a rate of 42.5%.

“Unemployment remains the most immediate and pressing crisis confronting our province. Over one million of our people remain without work, with young people bearing the greatest burden.

“The reality of youth exclusion from economic participation is not only unsustainable; it is a direct threat to social stability and long-term development. We therefore approach this moment with clarity and resolve,” Letsoha-Mathae said.

The Premier outlined the work the provincial government is taking to propel and reposition the economy “towards sectors that can unlock inclusive growth and sustainable employment.” 

These include:
•    Artificial Intelligence and robotics.
•    Renewable energy and green hydrogen.
•    Natural gas development.
•    Agro-processing and food production. 
•    The digital economy and e-commerce.
•    Entrepreneurship and support for small enterprises.

“Our focus is on building a competitive, future-oriented provincial economy that delivers real opportunities for our people.

“At the same time, we recognise that economic reform must be accompanied by decisive action to address persistent social challenges, including crime, substance abuse, and inequality. These issues require an integrated, whole-of-government response that is both coordinated and results-driven,” she said.

Cooperative governance in action

The Premier described the engagement as an opportunity to deepen collaboration between national and provincial government in confronting challenges.

“This oversight visit is not merely ceremonial, but a critical expression of cooperative governance and a platform for decisive alignment between national and provincial priorities in advancing service delivery and improving the lived realities of our people.

“[The] previous engagement with our province reaffirmed the urgency with which we must confront the social challenges facing our communities. We remain resolute in intensifying our efforts, particularly in the fight against gender-based violence and in building safer, more cohesive communities,” she said.

Letsoha-Mathae committed to presenting a “candid reflection” of the province’s fortunes.

“We utilise this engagement as a platform for accountability and progress. We will present a candid reflection of where we are succeeding, where we are falling short, and where focused national support is required to accelerate implementation.

“We are committed to strengthening governance, improving financial management, and restoring public confidence in the capacity of the state to deliver.

“We look forward to a constructive and solution-oriented engagement with you and your Cabinet, as we work collectively to drive implementation, unblock challenges, and ensure that our people experience meaningful change,” the Premier concluded.

The President is leading the engagement with the provincial government today at the University of Free State Centenary Complex in Bloemfontein, under the theme: “A Nation that Works for All”.

READ | Free State to outline challenges, solutions, in engagement with President Ramaphosa

“The visit is aligned with President Ramaphosa’s commitment to encourage closer collaboration with Provinces and Local spheres of government to tackle service delivery challenges.

“This initiative accords with Section 154 of the Constitution, which mandates national and provincial governments to support and strengthen capacity of municipalities in governance,” the Presidency said in a statement, ahead of Friday’s engagement. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Free State province’s strategic location has the potential to catapult the province into South Africa’s natural logistics and distribution hub.

This, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who delivered the opening remarks at a meeting between the National and Provincial Executive Councils. 

The President is today convening the eighth engagement in a series between national and provincial governments.

“The Free State is uniquely positioned to be at the heart of our country’s economic growth story.  It is strategically located, making it a natural logistics and distribution hub, linking major economic centres,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President added that the province should share the practices it is using to successfully address certain challenges, so they can be replicated elsewhere in the country. 

“For example, the Free State is leading the way in providing comprehensive agricultural support to emerging farmers and in implementing food security initiatives in vulnerable communities. 

“During the last financial year, the province also exceeded its work opportunities targets through the Expanded Public Works Programme, reaching more than 46 000 beneficiaries. The Free State also continues to register successes in the provision of health services, notably around HIV/Aids and TB. There has also been notable progress in fighting crime.

“As you build on the progress made over the past year, be assured of our full support as the National Executive,” he said.

The province’s other strategic advantages include strong agricultural capacity, established mining industry and potential in renewable energy and battery storage.

“These endowments and advantages must be leveraged to drive inclusive growth and create jobs. 

“With the necessary support, focus and direction, guided by the provincial One Plan developed under the DDM [District Development Model], the Free State’s full potential must be unleashed,” President Ramaphosa said.

Reflecting on the State of the Province Address delivered by Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae earlier this year, President Ramaphosa commended the “ambitious, future-facing and outcomes-oriented” plans for the province.

“I was particularly struck by the attention to detail given to the initiatives planned for the year ahead, particularly around youth job creation, vocational training for young people, support for the agricultural sector, township economy revitalisation and others. 

“This is what the District Development Model we initiated in 2019 is all about – namely the finer, granular details of not just what is being done to localise development, but also the ‘how’ and the ‘when’.

“Timeous implementation is the yardstick by which we are measured, and also by which we will be judged. We look forward to the presentation from the Premier on the priorities, challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the Free State,” he said.

Resolving local government challenges

A central theme to the President’s remarks was the need to restore municipalities that face severe challenges.

Some 35 of South Africa’s 257 municipalities are in distress with a further 63% at risk.

“When there are weaknesses or failings at local government, it isn’t just service delivery that suffers, but the trust between government and citizens becomes frayed. To put it quite bluntly, across much if not most of the country, local government is in crisis,” he said.

President Ramaphosa noted that municipalities – including seven in the Free State – are being placed under administration, adding that government is “alive to the realities and to the magnitude of this problem”. 

“In this year’s State of the Nation Address, I outlined the steps we will be taking to strengthen local government, including reviewing the funding model for municipalities and establishing ring-fenced utilities for water and electricity services.

“We will also be undertaking extensive consultations around the updated White Paper on Local Government during the course of this year. Restoring the fortunes of local government must be at the centre of our efforts if we are to attract investment that creates jobs and boosts the provincial economy,” he said.

Working together

The President urged the provincial government to ensure that as solutions are presented, implementation follows suit.

“Inasmuch as we need to drill down on what the challenges, obstacles and bottlenecks are, this must be matched by solutions, and timelines for implementing them. This would be time well and effectively spent today,” he urged.

The President emphasised that the engagement with the Free State government serves as an additional channel of communication.

This supplements the existing intergovernmental relations frameworks such as the President’s Coordinating Council.

“With the State of the Nation address having given the line of march, as it were, we are here to offer our support, and also our counsel. Being agile and responsive is a hallmark of the capable, ethical and developmental state we are striving to build, and we are also here to listen.

“We are one government, united by One Constitution for One People, and it is in this spirit of cooperation that I would like our deliberations today to proceed,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called for stronger economic cooperation between South Africa and China, urging increased investment in key sectors to support industrialisation, job creation and sustainable growth.  

Speaking at the South Africa-China Economic and Trade Forum, held at the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, on Friday, Deputy President Mashatile said the partnership between the two countries continues to yield tangible economic benefits but requires further expansion to unlock its full potential.

“We firmly believe that this forum serves as a platform for aligning government strategies with private sector engagement. 

“The issues discussed in our diplomatic and technical sessions are expected to be implemented by private sector players, leading to job creation, industrialisation, and shared prosperity. Central to this collaboration are opportunities that directly address our shared priorities,” Deputy President Mashatile said. 

The forum followed the 9th Session of the Bi-National Commission, co-chaired by Deputy President Mashatile and his counterpart from the People’s Republic of China, Vice President Han Zheng, which reaffirmed the longstanding ties between the two nations built on mutual respect and shared development.

Deputy President Mashatile highlighted that China remains South Africa’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade increasing by 6.4% from US$34.2 billion in 2024, to US$36.4 billion in 2025. 

He said government efforts are now focused on restructuring trade patterns to promote value-added exports rather than raw commodities.

“Economic cooperation remains central to government collaboration. Efforts are focused on restructuring trade to enhance value-added exports to China,” he said.

He noted that Chinese investment in South Africa has reached US$8.11 billion across 103 foreign direct investment projects, creating more than 5 600 jobs. In turn, South African companies have invested US$689 million in China across sectors such as healthcare, ICT, manufacturing and financial services.

The Deputy President said the recently signed Framework Agreement for the China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement (CAEPA) is expected to further enhance trade by lowering costs for Chinese imports of South African goods while improving market access for local industries.

He added that ongoing discussions around an Early Harvest Agreement could see certain South African exports receiving permanent zero-tariff treatment, subject to consultations within the customs union.

The Deputy President identified several priority sectors for investment, including mineral beneficiation, renewable and clean energy, ICT, agriculture, automotive manufacturing, and the hydrogen economy.

He emphasised the importance of moving beyond raw mineral exports by investing in processing and infrastructure development, adding that such efforts would help build sustainable industries and support long-term economic growth.

In the energy sector, the Deputy President said collaboration with China could accelerate South Africa’s transition to renewable energy, particularly in solar, wind and energy storage technologies.

He also highlighted the country’s potential to become a global leader in green hydrogen production, noting that South Africa’s natural resources position it as a low-cost producer of clean fuels. 

“With strategic partnerships, we can lead the way into a new energy future, positioning our country as a global leader in clean fuels and sustainable industrialisation,” he said.

Deputy President Mashatile encouraged Chinese investors to take advantage of South Africa’s Special Economic Zones and industrial parks, which offer infrastructure, incentives and access to skilled labour.

He said South Africa offers political stability, a strong legal framework and world-class infrastructure, making it an attractive destination for investment and a gateway to the broader African market of 1.4 billion people.

He concluded by calling on both governments and the private sector to translate agreements into tangible outcomes that will drive inclusive growth.

“Let us take this moment to ensure that our collaboration not only brings prosperity to both our nations but also makes a meaningful contribution to Africa’s broader development agenda. Together, we can create a future defined by resilience, inclusivity, and shared success,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has emphasised the critical role of partnerships in addressing South Africa’s water and sanitation challenges.

Mahlobo was speaking at the 2026 Future of Sustainability Conference, held in Johannesburg, on Wednesday.

Held under the theme: “Africa’s Green Horizon: Leading the Global Transition,” the two-day conference brought together sustainability leaders, policymakers, business executives, academics, and industry specialists to address pressing environmental challenges and explore innovative, sustainable business strategies.

Established in 2011 through a partnership between Topco Media and the United Nations for the COP17 climate conference, the conference has evolved into a key platform for exploring pioneering solutions for a sustainable future.

Mahlobo said collaboration between government and the private sector is essential to resolving water supply challenges.

“There is no single institution, municipality, department, company or country that can solve the water challenge alone,” he said.

He warned that ageing infrastructure and outdated technology, combined with population growth, have led to the current water supply challenges experienced in most parts of the country.

“The water challenges confronting South Africa are well known, but their seriousness demands that we name them plainly and confront them honestly.”

He warned that ageing infrastructure and outdated technology, combined with population growth, have exacerbated water shortages across the country.

He cited key issues, including infrastructure deficits, climate variability, rapid urbanisation, the pollution of rivers, and operational weaknesses in some wastewater systems, as well as persistent inequality in access to water, particularly in rural and historically marginalised communities. 

Addressing these challenges he said, demands a coalition of capability at local, national, and global levels.

“Water security requires alignment across government departments, water boards, municipalities, regulators, state entities, research institutions, financiers and the private sector. We must end the old culture of silo governance.

“The era of fragmented mandates, parallel planning without integrated execution, and infrastructure built without adequate maintenance discipline must come to an end,” Mahlobo said.

He also highlighted the importance of data-driven decision-making and technology.

“What gets measured gets managed, and what gets managed well gets sustained,” he said, adding that technology is essential for improving accountability and efficiency.

The Deputy Minister further advocated for the diversifying approach to water supply through groundwater development, wastewater reuse and integrated urban water systems to reduce pressure on traditional sources.

Referring to the United Nation’s declaration of 2026 as the Water Year, Mahlobo reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring access to water as a constitutional right.

He urged South Africans to change water habits and adopt a water saving approach to ensure a more sustainable use of water for everyone.

“Communities are not passive beneficiaries… they are co-creators of resilience. When communities are organised, informed and included, they become a force multiplier for sustainability.

“They help protect infrastructure, strengthen accountability, support behavioural change, defend local ecosystems, detect failures earlier and give legitimacy to interventions that might otherwise remain abstract,” Mahlobo said.

In concluding his address, Mahlobo called for urgent action to build a better world for future generations.

“We have less than four years to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, and we are not on track. In your hands lies the duty to create a better world. We will not be doing it for our sake; we are holding it for our children.”. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Electoral Commission will today publish a Government Gazette notice inviting political parties, independent candidates and all interested stakeholders to comment on the proposed deposit amount for the 2026/27 Local Government Elections.

By law, registered political parties and independent candidates intending to contest elections must pay deposits. 

The purpose of the deposit is to confirm a contestant’s intention to participate in the election and to create certainty on who the contestants in an election are, the Commission said in a statement.

“Deposits are refundable to contestants who obtain a seat in the applicable Proportional Representation election, or who obtain at least 10% of the valid votes cast in the applicable ward election. If a contestant loses, the deposit is not refundable and is paid into the National Revenue Fund,” the Commission said.

The amount of the deposit to be paid in terms of Section 14(1)(b) of the Act is, in respect of each separate list submitted by a party is:

• R4 700 in an election in a metropolitan municipality.

• R2 800 in an election in a local municipality with wards.

• R1 800 in an election in a local municipality without wards and in an election in a district municipality.

The Electoral Commission intends increasing the deposit as prescribed in Item 11(1) of the Municipal Electoral Regulations as follows:

“(1) The amount of the deposit referred to in section 17(2)(d) of the Act, is R1 800.00 in respect of an independent ward candidate and for a ward candidate nominated by a party who is not contesting the election of the relevant municipal council by way of a party list.

Representations or comment on the proposed election deposits may be emailed to Mr Kgosietsile Tshoke at deposits@elections.org.za or delivered to Election House, Riverside Office Park, 1303 Heuwel Avenue, Centurion, 0157.

The closing date for the submission of comments is Friday, 8 May 2026.

The Commission emphasised that it had not yet decided on the election deposit amounts for the 2026/27 Local Government Elections. 

It will review feedback and comments before making a final decision. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested two suspects for possession and distribution of drug-facilitated sexual abuse and child sexual abuse material, following a multi-disciplinary operation in Gauteng. 

The national Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) team received an intelligence report from the National Crime Agency (NCA) of the British High Commission regarding a South African target who was believed to be involved in drug-facilitated sexual assault and somnophilia or “sleep fetish”.

“The 34-year-old husband drugged, raped his wife and distributed pornographic material of him performing sexual acts on her without consent on an exclusive social media channel over a period of five years,” the police said in a statement. 

“The victim appeared sedated and in a state of unconsciousness when these serious sexual offences were committed. Innovative investigative techniques and analysis led a multi-disciplinary team to the location of the suspect who was arrested in Boksburg on Thursday, 26 March 2026,” said the police.

The team comprised investigators from the national and provincial SECI team in Gauteng, supported by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the United States Embassy. 

“Forensic experts at the scene uncovered multiple images and videos relating to drug-facilitated sexual assault as well as child sexual abuse material which were found on the suspect’s electronic devices,” the police said. 

On the same day, further investigation led the team to another suspect in Germiston with a similar modus operandi. 

The two suspects are known to each other. 

Police also seized the 48-year-old suspect’s electronic devices and two unlicensed firearms found in his possession. 

“Both suspects are expected appear before the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court today on charges that include sexual assault, possession of unlicensed firearm, possession, distribution and manufacturing of child sexual abuse material as well as contravention of Section 16 of the Cyber Crimes Act, namely sharing of intimate images without consent of the victim,” the police said. 

Investigations and forensic analysis of the suspects’ devices remain ongoing. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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