Category: MIL-OSI

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says Cabinet has welcomed the positive developments in the tourism sector, which continues to show strong signs of recovery and growth.

According to Statistics South Africa’s International Tourism Report, the country recorded 989 329 tourist arrivals in April 2026.

READ | Minister welcomes increase in tourist arrivals 

“This marks the highest monthly year-on-year growth ever recorded, reaffirming South Africa’s enduring appeal as a global tourism destination,” said the Minister, who was briefing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.

She said to sustain this momentum, government continues to expand international air connectivity.

Recently LATAM Airlines decided to bring forward the launch of its three weekly direct flights between São Paulo and Cape Town to July 2026, ahead of its original September schedule. 

In addition, on 24 June 2026, Air Europa’s launched its direct flight between Madrid and Johannesburg which will strengthen connectivity with Europe and support growth across the tourism and hospitality sectors.

SASSA cards

Cabinet further welcomed progress in modernising social grant payments, noting ongoing efforts to ensure a smooth transition for South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries using the new Postbank black cards.

Beneficiaries were encouraged to replace expiring cards and continue making use of the available support mechanisms to ensure uninterrupted access to grants.

“Cabinet urges all social grant beneficiaries using SASSA Gold Cards to replace them with the new Postbank Black Cards before the deadline of 31 August 2026.

“The replacement process is free of charge and can be completed at designated Postbank service points in participating retail outlets nationwide,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has launched Phase V of the National Youth Service (NYS) Programme, which will unlock 100 000 paid service opportunities for unemployed young people across South Africa’s nine provinces.

Unveiled on Thursday in partnership with the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI), the programme aims to provide young people with meaningful opportunities through community service, work experience, skills development, civic participation and pathways to sustainable livelihoods.

The NYS programme enables young people to contribute meaningfully to their communities while gaining practical experience, strengthening social cohesion, and advancing nation-building efforts.

NYDA Board Executive Chairperson, Dr Sunshine Myende, said the programme was designed to provide young people with meaningful community service opportunities, while creating pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, education, training and broader economic participation.

“Participants will gain practical workplace exposure, civic and leadership experience, skills development opportunities, and a chance to contribute directly to improving the communities in which they leave,” Myende said.

She said the agency remains committed to ensuring the inclusion of young people from historically marginalised groups, including persons with disabilities; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) youth; young people from rural communities; and others who continue to face significant barriers to economic participation.

According to the NYDA, the programme forms part of broader efforts to tackle youth unemployment by equipping young people with skills, experience and opportunities that enhance their employability and economic prospects.

Young people interested in participating can register and submit applications through the SAYouth.mobi platform.

Further information on eligibility criteria, application timelines and participation requirements will be communicated through the agency’s website and official public communication channels. – SAnews.gov.za 

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As the country marks Youth Month, Cabinet has called on all sectors of society to support initiatives aimed at empowering young people through education, skills development, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.

Briefing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the month provides an opportunity to honour the legacy of the youth of 1976 while reflecting on the progress made in expanding opportunities for younger generations in a democratic South Africa.

The national programme commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising marks 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 to advance freedom, justice and equality.

As part of government’s broader Milestones of Freedom programme, the 50th anniversary will not only honour the courage and resilience of the youth of 1976 but also create a platform for dialogue on challenges facing young people today.

These include unemployment, mental health, access to education, gender-based violence and social inclusion.

The initiative forms part of government’s ongoing efforts to preserve the legacy of 1976 while strengthening youth participation in nation-building and socio-economic development.

The launch of the golden jubilee will unveil a series of activities to be rolled out over the next year, focused on accelerating investment in youth development.

The Minister said Cabinet highlighted the country’s ongoing celebration of the milestones of freedom, noting the significant gains made since the advent of democracy in areas such as access to housing, electricity, water, education, healthcare and social protection.

Government will launch the Milestones of Freedom Campaign under the theme “Honouring the Past, Delivering the Future” on 18 June 2026 at the Union Buildings.

Ntshavheni  said Cabinet would support the launch of the 70th Commemoration of the 1956 Women’s march that forms part of the National Milestones of Freedom events, marking the beginning of a national programme of activities commemorating the historic 1956 Women’s march. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Cabinet has approved the withdrawal of the Draft National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, which was published for public comment in March 2026.

“Cabinet approved the withdrawal of the draft AI policy, which was published for public comment in March 2026. 

“The withdrawal will allow a rework of the AI policy to ensure it achieves its intended goals and that it establishes national standards on the ethical use of AI,” Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Friday.

The Minister was speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing in Pretoria.

In April, Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi announced the withdrawal of the Draft National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy following an internal process.

“Following revelations that the Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy published for public comment contains various fictitious sources in its reference list, we initiated internal questions, which have now confirmed that this was the case,” Malatsi said at the time.

READ | Minister announces withdrawal of draft AI Policy. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Cabinet has called on all eligible South Africans to register to vote ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, stressing the importance of citizen participation in shaping the future of communities across the country. 

Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing on Friday, Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni reminded citizens that the first voter registration weekend for the upcoming municipal elections will take place on 20 and 21 June 2026.

South Africans will head to the polls on 4 November 2026 to elect councillors, who will be responsible for governing municipalities and overseeing the delivery of basic services at local government level.

Cabinet encouraged all eligible voters who have not yet registered, as well as those who may have changed their residential address, to use the registration weekend to ensure that their details are correctly captured on the voters’ roll.

“The first voter registration weekend is taking place on Saturday, 20 June 2026, and Sunday, 21 June 2026 at their nearest voter registration station, or by visiting registertovote.elections.org.za, or visiting their local Electoral Commission offices during working hours,” Ntshavheni said.

Citizens were reminded that they can only vote at the voting station where they are registered and should therefore verify their registration details ahead of the elections.

Voters can also locate their correct voting station by using the Electoral Commission’s online voting station finder.

Cabinet placed particular emphasis on youth participation, calling on young people to play an active role in the democratic process.

“Cabinet calls on young people, in particular, to participate actively in shaping the future of their communities through participation in elections,” Ntshavheni said.

The call comes as government and the Electoral Commission continue efforts to encourage greater participation among first-time voters and young South Africans, who constitute a significant portion of the country’s voting-age population.

Local government elections are regarded as one of the most important pillars of South Africa’s democratic system, as they determine the leadership responsible for delivering essential services such as water, sanitation, electricity, roads, refuse removal and local economic development.

The elections also provide communities with an opportunity to hold local leaders accountable and influence decisions that directly affect their daily lives.

The Electoral Commission has in recent years expanded digital registration services, allowing eligible voters to register online, update their details and check their registration status without visiting a registration station. 

Government has repeatedly emphasised that voter registration is a critical step in ensuring that every eligible citizen can exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Cabinet said active participation in elections strengthens democracy and enables communities to help shape the development priorities of their municipalities. – SAnews.gov.za

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Cabinet has reaffirmed government’s commitment to intensifying the fight against organised crime and strengthening South Africa’s contribution to the continental response to Ebola outbreaks. 

Briefing media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said government remains focused on addressing issues that affect the safety, health and wellbeing of citizens, while advancing development priorities.  

Cabinet commended law enforcement agencies for recent successes in disrupting major drug trafficking operations and dismantling criminal syndicates operating in the country. 

The Border Management Authority (BMA), the Hawks, South African Police Service (SAPS) K9 units and other law enforcement agencies were praised for an intelligence-driven operation that intercepted a drug consignment valued at nearly R1 billion at the Beitbridge Port of Entry.

The operation, conducted on 27 May 2026, led to the interception of a truck travelling through Zimbabwe into South Africa. Authorities discovered approximately 713 000 grams of methaqualone, commonly known as ABBA, a substance widely used in the manufacture of Mandrax.

“Furthermore, Cabinet commended the South African Police Service for the arrest of 11 suspects, including four Mexican nationals, following the discovery of a multimillion-rand drug manufacturing laboratory on a farm in Swartruggens in the North West province,” the Minister said. 

The arrests form part of ongoing efforts by government to combat transnational organised crime, drug trafficking networks and the proliferation of illicit substances in communities.

SA supporting continental fight against Ebola

On health matters, Cabinet expressed support for South Africa’s contribution of US$5 million towards a continental preparedness and response plan aimed at containing Ebola outbreaks currently affecting parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

The contribution forms part of a broader African response plan valued at US$319 million.

While the World Health Organisation has declared the Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, Cabinet stressed that there is currently no cause for alarm in South Africa.

“Ebola is not endemic to South Africa and human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected, symptomatic person,” Ntshavheni said. 

Government has continued to monitor developments closely, while working with continental and international partners to strengthen preparedness measures and support affected countries. – SAnews.gov.za

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Cabinet has approved the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) plan to shut down the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP), popularly known as e-tolls.

The Executive also approved the orderly resolution of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) litigation, the treatment of any residual litigation exposure, and the closure of all matters associated with the historical recovery of e-toll debt.

This follows government’s decision to discontinue the electronic tolling system on the GFIP, which took effect on 12 April 2024.

“Cabinet noted the recommendations by SANRAL to write off debt owed by road users who did not pay, and that National Treasury would service this debt, and that the road users who paid toll fees would not be refunded because this was the law at the time,” Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Friday.

Ntshavheni was addressing members of the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 03 June 2026.
–SAnews.gov.za 
 

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Cabinet has congratulated Telkom on its strong financial and operational performance for the financial year ending 31 March 2026.

The majority state-owned company supported 362 small, medium and micro enterprises through procurement opportunities worth R593 million and contributed to the creation of more than 74 000 jobs through its SMME development programme.

In addition, 1 524 unemployed young people were trained through ICT learnerships and the company surpassed two million subscribers.

This is according to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who brief media on Friday on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting.

“Government will receive approximately R559 million in dividend income (excluding dividends to other government-owned shareholder entities). This additional income will help support the state’s broader developmental priorities and public service delivery commitments,” said the Minister.

Earlier this week, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi said the results reflect continued progress in the implementation of Telkom’s strategy and demonstrate the value of disciplined execution, operational efficiency and a sustained focus on growth areas.

The results highlight the growing importance of digital connectivity and data services in South Africa’s economy.

Telkom, a JSE-listed telecommunications company in which the South African government holds a 40.5% stake, remains a strategic asset in the country’s digital ecosystem and a significant contributor to economic activity. – SAnews.gov.za

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Cabinet has reaffirmed government’s commitment to intensifying the fight against organised crime, strengthening South Africa’s contribution to the continental response to Ebola outbreaks, and implementing a comprehensive approach to managing migration. 

Briefing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said government remains focused on addressing issues that affect the safety, health and wellbeing of citizens while advancing development priorities.  

Cabinet commended law enforcement agencies for recent successes in disrupting major drug trafficking operations and dismantling criminal syndicates operating in the country. 

The Border Management Authority (BMA), the Hawks, South African Police Service (SAPS) K9 units and other law enforcement agencies were praised for an intelligence-driven operation that intercepted a drug consignment valued at nearly R1 billion at the Beitbridge Port of Entry.

The operation, conducted on 27 May 2026, led to the interception of a truck travelling through Zimbabwe into South Africa. Authorities discovered approximately 713 000 grams of methaqualone, commonly known as ABBA, a substance widely used in the manufacture of Mandrax.

“Furthermore, Cabinet commended the South African Police Service for the arrest of 11 suspects, including four Mexican nationals, following the discovery of a multimillion-rand drug manufacturing laboratory on a farm in Swartruggens in the North-West Province,” the Minister said. 

The arrests form part of ongoing efforts by government to combat transnational organised crime, drug trafficking networks and the proliferation of illicit substances in communities.

SA supporting the continental fight against Ebola

On health matters, Cabinet expressed support for South Africa’s contribution of US$5 million towards a continental preparedness and response plan aimed at containing Ebola outbreaks currently affecting parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

The contribution forms part of a broader African response plan valued at US$319 million.

While the World Health Organisation has declared the Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, Cabinet stressed that there is currently no cause for alarm in South Africa.

“Ebola is not endemic to South Africa and human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected, symptomatic person,” Minister Ntshavheni said. 

Government has continued to monitor developments closely while working with continental and international partners to strengthen preparedness measures and support affected countries.

Comprehensive approach for managing migration in South Africa 

Cabinet also reflected on migration management, reaffirming government’s commitment to implementing a comprehensive approach that balances national security, economic considerations, regional cooperation and South Africa’s international obligations.

The issue has received growing attention amid increasing migration pressures across the continent and ongoing efforts to improve border management systems.

“Cabinet received and approved a comprehensive approach to migration in South Africa, developed by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, and also approved the National Action Plan (NAP) Country Report on Migration in South Africa. The President will address the nation on this matter,” the Minister said. 

Tourism growth, expanded air transport and tourist safety measures

Cabinet further welcomed positive developments in the tourism sector, which continues to show strong signs of recovery and growth.

According to Statistics South Africa’s International Tourism Report, the country recorded 989 329 tourist arrivals in April 2026, representing the highest monthly year-on-year growth ever recorded.

To sustain this momentum, government continues to expand international air connectivity. LATAM Airlines has brought forward the launch of its three weekly direct flights between São Paulo and Cape Town to July 2026, while Air Europa launched a direct route between Madrid and Johannesburg on 24 June 2026.

Cabinet said the increase in tourist arrivals comes alongside reported declines in key crime categories and improved turnaround times by law enforcement agencies in solving criminal cases.

 

SASSA cards

Cabinet further welcomed progress in modernising social grant payments, noting ongoing efforts to ensure a smooth transition for South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries using the new Postbank black cards.

Beneficiaries were encouraged to replace expiring cards and continue making use of the available support mechanisms to ensure uninterrupted access to grants.

“Cabinet urges all social grant beneficiaries using SASSA Gold Cards to replace them with the new Postbank Black Cards before the deadline of 31 August 2026.

“The replacement process is free of charge and can be completed at designated Postbank service points in participating retail outlets nationwide,” the minister said.

 

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Cabinet has approved the Revised Industrial Development Strategy (IDS) for implementation to facilitate employment opportunities through various projects and programmes.

“The IDS is expected to create thousands of jobs each year, with a strong focus on skills development and preparing unemployed people for high-demand sectors such as renewable energy and manufacturing,” Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Friday in Pretoria.

The IDS prioritises sectors critical to industrialisation, including the protection of strategic industries such as steel, automotive, manufacturing and mining. 

It also promotes expansion in future growth areas including agro-processing, the digital economy and the green economy. 

“In addition, the strategy targets sectors with strong potential for economic growth and job creation, especially for young people, including tourism and global business services,” the Minister said.

She added that a Committee of Ministers, chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa, will oversee implementation of the strategy to ensure coordinated delivery and impact.

Developed through extensive consultation, the strategy focuses on high-impact, inclusive industrialisation of South Africa’s economy.

It aligns with the policy priorities of the seventh administration and is anchored in three key pillars to drive industrial growth and transformation: decarbonisation, digitalisation and diversification.

The full document is available on the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) website: www.thedtic.gov.za. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

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