Category: South Africa Government

As South Africa enters the next phase of developing its oceans economy, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, has called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to turn opportunities in the sector into tangible benefits.

Singh said achieving an ocean economy that benefits coastal communities requires investment in skills development, support for cooperatives, improved access to finance, and greater backing for youth and women entrepreneurs.

“Through partnership and collective action, we can unlock coastal opportunities, drive community growth and build a thriving, inclusive and sustainable oceans economy for generations to come. The challenge before us is not the absence of opportunities. The challenge is creating the partnerships necessary to unlock them,” the Deputy Minister said on Wednesday in Amathole.

He was speaking at the Rural Oceans Economy Indaba 2026 in the Eastern Cape, held under the theme “Unlocking Coastal Opportunities: Partnerships for Community Growth”.

“Let us therefore strengthen our collaboration. Let us deepen partnerships with government, communities, industry and civil society. Let us mobilise the resources, investment and expertise required to unlock the full potential of South Africa’s oceans economy,” the Deputy Minister said.

South Africa’s rich and productive coastal waters support thousands of jobs across a range of ocean-based industries and contribute billions of rand to the national economy each year.

In 2014, the government launched Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy to unlock opportunities in sectors such as aquaculture, marine transport and manufacturing, offshore oil and gas exploration, coastal and marine tourism, and ocean governance.

“The programme demonstrated that the oceans economy has the potential to unlock billions of rands in investment and create hundreds of thousands of jobs for South Africans,” Singh said.

Since its launch, progress has included the revitalisation of coastal infrastructure, stronger marine protection and ocean governance, investor attraction, major infrastructure upgrades to maintain and expand ship repair facilities at ports, and the promotion of emerging industries such as aquaculture.

The country is now entering the next phase of developing and growing the oceans economy through the finalisation of the Oceans Economy Master Plan.

The Deputy Minister said the plan’s overarching objective is to increase the sector’s contribution to job creation, economic growth and long-term development, while promoting environmental sustainability, inclusivity and transformation.

The plan examines value chains across key ocean economy sectors, identifies constraints and sets out practical interventions needed to unlock greater investment, competitiveness and inclusive growth.

“While Operation Phakisa established a strong foundation and demonstrated the immense opportunities that exist within the oceans economy, the Master Plan seeks to take this work further by advancing the growth of key ocean economy subsectors. 

“For coastal districts such as Amathole, the opportunity is to align local development initiatives with national priorities, strengthen value chains in fisheries, aquaculture and tourism, support small-scale producers and entrepreneurs, and attract investment into coastal infrastructure and economic activities,” Singh said.

The Amathole District has emerged as an important area for ocean economy development through initiatives identified under Operation Phakisa, including those focused on aquaculture development and coastal and marine tourism.

“These initiatives demonstrate the practical opportunities that exist for rural economic development through aquaculture and sustainable marine resource utilisation.

“They also demonstrate how ocean economy development can stimulate local value chains, create employment, support small businesses and improve household incomes. Importantly, they show that economic development and environmental sustainability can and must go hand in hand,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Government has congratulated Bafana Bafana on making history by progressing to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following their hard-fought victory over South Korea at the Estadio Monterrey in Guadalupe, early on Thursday morning.

Bafana Bafana boosted their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over South Korea in their final Group A match in Mexico. Thapelo Maseko was named Player of the Match after scoring the decisive goal that secured South Africa’s historic win.

“The impressive result is a proud moment for South Africa and reflects the team’s determination, discipline and fighting spirit on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages. The performance has inspired hope and excitement among South Africans at home and abroad, while showcasing the country’s football talent to the world.

“Government wishes the team well for the remainder of the tournament as the team continues to fly the South African flag high and make the nation proud,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said.

According to the South African Football Association, Bafana Bafana have never progressed beyond the group stages of the global showpiece, having exited in the opening round of the 1998, 2002 and 2010 FIFA World Cups.

The South African senior men’s national team will now face 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32 in Los Angeles on Sunday, 28 June 2026.

Coach Hugo Broos said he was pleased with the team’s performance.

“I think we played a very good game, tactically. It was very good, and everybody did their job. The difference with this game and our previous match (against Czechia) was that when we had the ball, we were very dangerous, and that was very important.

“We had very quick players on the pitch, and we used them very well. We found the spaces during the good moments. And then yeah, we needed that goal. We had a few chances in the first half, and I told the players at halftime to keep on believing,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Correctional Services has affirmed that it will continue internal disciplinary processes against suspended KZN Commissioner Mnikelwa Nxele, following his appearance in court on charges of fraud and money laundering.

Nxele appeared in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrates’ Court on allegations that he received bribes of approximately R100 000 per month while he was the Chairperson of the Special Bid Adjudication Committee in KZN from State Capture linked security company, Bosasa.

“The department… notes the charges brought against Mr Nxele, which relate to allegations of fraud and money laundering. The matter is now before the courts, and the Department will allow the legal process to unfold without prejudice.

“Nxele remains on suspension. The Department will continue to pursue internal disciplinary processes, in accordance with applicable legislation and departmental policies,” the department said in a short statement.

Nxele appeared in court following his arrest by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).

“His arrest emanates from a referral to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation [commonly known as the Hawks], after investigations were conducted on evidence that was provided by Angelo Agrizzi during the State Capture Commission involving BOSASA contracts, valued at approximately R20 million,” IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame explained. 

He was granted bail of R50 000, and the case was postponed to 16 September 2026. – SAnews.gov.za

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Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, on Wednesday appealed to the  taxi industry as the backbone of public transport in South Africa to ensure that 30 June 2026 is a normal day and to not engage in the blocking of roads, nor the intimidation of passengers.

“We have appealed to them to keep transporting passengers. We have appealed to them to keep routes open. We appeal to them to reject any calls to block roads, intimidate commuters or disrupt public life,” Lieutenant General Dimpane said.

This as the South African Police Service (SAPS) working closely with other law enforcement agencies, including the metro and private security stands fully prepared for the planned demonstrations on 30 June. 

The protest, organised by civic movement March and March and other interest groups, is in line with ongoing calls for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa, which has prompted police to enhance operational readiness.

Lieutenant General Dimpane was speaking following an engagement with the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in Pretoria.

“It is for this reason, that we are appealing to every taxi association, every taxi owner, every operator and every driver across the country to ensure that 30 June remains business as usual,” she said.

The Acting National Police Commissioner appealed to the taxi industry not to allow criminal elements to misuse the taxi industry for unlawful purposes.  

“We have also requested SANTACO to add its powerful voice to the growing call for peace, restraint and respect for the rule of law. 

“We have appealed to the leadership of SANTACO to send a clear message throughout the taxi industry that there must be no violence in the name of the taxi industry.

“The message we would like to hear from every taxi rank, every taxi association and every taxi operator is simple: ‘no highway and road blockages. No intimidation. No violence. No destruction of property. No disruption of public transport’,” she said.

On 30 June South Africa’s economy must continue to function.

“We know that the overwhelming majority of taxi operators are law-abiding citizens who work hard every day to provide an essential service. We therefore urge them not to allow themselves to be drawn into activities that could place lives at risk or undermine the stability of the country,” Dimpane said.

Dimpane said the consequences of instability are felt most by ordinary South Africans.

“We have seen this before. When roads are blocked, workers cannot get to work. When transport is disrupted, learners cannot get to school. When businesses close, livelihoods are affected. When violence erupts, innocent people suffer,” she said.

She urged the taxi industry to be ambassadors of peace.

“We are encouraged by the positive response we received from SANTACO leadership today and by their commitment to engage their structures throughout the country.

“We believe the taxi industry has an important role to play in ensuring that calm prevails and that communities reject calls for violence and disorder. We will protect the constitutional rights of those who wish to protest peacefully and lawfully,” she said.

Dimpane warn that any attempts to block roads, intimidate commuters, damage infrastructure, disrupt public transport networks or engage in violence will be dealt with swiftly and decisively.

“We therefore call upon every taxi owner, every driver, every queue marshal, every association leader and every commuter to join us in ensuring that 30 June is remembered as a day of peace, responsibility and stability,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Bafana Bafana boosted their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea in their Group A clash at the Estadio Monterrey in Guadalupe early on Thursday morning.

The South African team enter the history books as they progress to the next round of the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever thanks to a Thapelo Maseko goal in the 2nd half.

The victory marks a significant boost for Hugo Broos’ side following their 1-1 draw against Czechia at Atlanta Stadium last Thursday and keeps their hopes of progressing in the tournament firmly on track.

South Africa entered the match without experienced midfielders Themba Zwane and Teboho Mokoena, both serving suspensions.

Zwane continued to serve the three-match ban imposed by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee following the red card he received in the tournament opener against Mexico, while Mokoena was unavailable after accumulating yellow cards.

However, Sphephelo Sithole returned to the squad after completing his one-match suspension following the red card he received against Mexico.

Bafana Bafana showed discipline and resilience throughout the match, successfully containing the South Korean attack before Maseko’s winning goal handed South Africa a crucial victory.

Attention now turns to Sunday’s encounter against Canada, where South Africa will look to build on the momentum from their victory over South Korea and strengthen their position in Group A.

The national team is expected to return to training at its base camp in Pachuca, Mexico, as preparations begin for the important clash against the Canadians. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, has called for women to play a central role in South Africa’s National Dialogue process.

Addressing the Women’s Sector National Dialogue Preparatory Summit on Wednesday, Letsike said the dialogue offered an opportunity to move beyond legal guarantees of equality and focus on whether institutions, the economy and society were delivering meaningful change in women’s daily lives.

“This year marks the 70th anniversary of the historic Women’s March of 1956 and 30 years since South Africans adopted the Constitution,” she said.

“Our generation has the responsibility to carry that work forward by ensuring that equality is not simply protected in law, but experienced in the daily lives of women and girls.”

Letsike said South Africa had no shortage of women’s voices in public life, but institutions had often failed to respond adequately to the challenges women consistently highlighted.

She pointed to continued high levels of unemployment and poverty among women, the vulnerability of female-headed households, the burden of unpaid care work and ongoing gender-based violence as evidence that gender equality remains unfinished business.

“These are not separate challenges. They are deeply connected,” she said.

The Deputy Minister argued that the National Dialogue should examine whether existing systems need to be redesigned to make gender mainstreaming a permanent feature of government and economic planning.

She raised questions about how public transport, childcare systems, digital transformation and local economic development could be structured around the realities faced by women, including entrepreneurs, informal traders, farm workers and women with disabilities. “These are not simply women’s questions. They are nation-building questions,” she said.

Letsike also urged participants to consider emerging challenges, including artificial intelligence, climate change, declining trust in democratic institutions and growing attacks on the rights of women and other marginalised groups.

She cited international examples, including Uruguay’s care economy reforms, Spain’s integrated approach to gender-based violence and Iceland’s accountability measures on equality, while stressing that South Africa would need solutions tailored to its own history and constitutional framework.

The Women’s Sector National Dialogue Preparatory Summit forms part of broader consultations feeding into South Africa’s National Dialogue process, which aims to reflect on the country’s democratic progress and future direction.

Letsike said women should participate in the process not merely as stakeholders seeking recognition but as partners in shaping the country’s future.

“The success of the National Dialogue will not ultimately be measured by the conversations we have, but by the institutions we strengthen, the opportunities we create, and the extent to which every woman, every young person and every person with a disability can experience the full promise of our constitutional democracy,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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KwaZulu-Natal Regional Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services, Mnikelwa Nxele, has appeared in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrates’ Court on charges of fraud and money laundering following his arrest by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).

“His arrest emanates from a referral to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), [commonly known as the Hawks], after investigations were conducted on evidence that was provided by Angelo Agrizzi during the State Capture Commission involving BOSASA contracts, valued at approximately R20 million,” IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame explained. 

According to the IDAC, Nxele allegedly received bribes of approximately R100 000 per month while he was the Chairperson of the Special Bid Adjudication Committee in KZN.

“It is alleged that fraudulent financial activities were conducted through Zogoba Trust, which he registered and used to conceal the movement of funds, as well as the assets accumulated through criminality,” Mamothame said.

“The money was allegedly utilised to purchase properties and for gambling in various casinos around the country. He is further accused of failing to make his financial disclosure with the Department of Public Service and Administration,” Mamothame said.

Nxele was granted bail of R50 000, and the case was postponed to 16 September 2026. – SAnews.gov.za

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Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has called on learner leaders from across South Africa to embrace their role as custodians of democracy, champions of safe and inclusive schools, and leaders capable of shaping the future of education and society.

Addressing the 2026 National Learner Leadership Summit on Wednesday in Benoni, Ekurhuleni, Minister Gwarube reflected on the significance of South Africa commemorating 50 years since the 1976 Soweto Uprising and challenged learner leaders to honour that legacy through active leadership, service and civic participation.

The summit held under the theme “Born of Resilience, Driven by Purpose: Leading the Future of Learning,” brought together learner leaders from all nine provinces, government representatives, development partners, civil society organisations and education stakeholders to strengthen learner voice, democratic participation and leadership within the education sector.

In her address, Minister Gwarube noted that while the challenges facing today’s generation differ from those confronted by the youth of 1976, they remain equally urgent.

These include bullying, violence, gender-based violence, substance abuse, cyberbullying, misinformation, mental health challenges and growing uncertainty about the future. She urged learner leaders to become agents of positive change within their schools and communities.

A key message emerging from the Summit was that leadership begins with service. Learner leaders were encouraged to use their influence to protect vulnerable learners, promote inclusion and build school environments where every learner feels safe, respected and valued.

The Minister emphasised that the true measure of leadership is not status or popularity, but the ability to uplift others and strengthen communities.

The Department further reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening school safety through initiatives such as the Safe Schools Protocol and partnerships with the South African Police Service.

Delegates heard that creating safer schools requires more than policies and programmes; it requires a culture of respect, accountability, empathy and care, led by learners themselves.

The Summit also highlighted the importance of democratic participation and active citizenship as fundamental pillars of learner leadership.

Delivering a keynote address on the importance of voting as a constitutional right and civic responsibility, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), Mosotho Moepya, reminded learner leaders that democracy must be renewed and protected by every generation.

Drawing on the lessons of South Africa’s democratic journey, Moepya encouraged young people to reject apathy and become ambassadors for democratic participation, information integrity and responsible citizenship within their schools and communities.

Quoting the late former President Nelson Mandela, Moepya reminded delegates that, “An election is not just about choosing leaders; it is a celebration of our hard-won freedom and a powerful declaration that we are the masters of our own destiny.”

Delegates were reminded that many of the issues affecting communities, including access to services, safety, infrastructure and opportunities for young people, are influenced by democratic participation and accountable governance.

Learner leaders were therefore encouraged to see a direct connection between the leadership they exercise within schools today and the broader leadership responsibilities they may assume in society tomorrow.

Gwarube noted that the freedoms enjoyed by young South Africans today were secured through the courage and sacrifices of previous generations and must be protected through responsible citizenship and active participation in democratic processes.

“The youth of 1976 fought for access to education, dignity and democratic freedoms. The responsibility of today’s generation is to protect those gains, strengthen democratic participation, reject bullying and violence, champion inclusion, and use their voices to shape a better future.

“The future of South Africa is already here, and it is represented by the young leaders gathered at this Summit,” Gwarube said.

The department expressed its appreciation to all partners who contributed to the success of the summit, including the Electoral Commission of South Africa, UNICEF, the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), the Agape Youth Movement, provincial education departments, educators, school governing bodies and learner leadership structures from across the country.

The department added that the continued support strengthens efforts to develop a generation of active citizens, ethical leaders and engaged learners committed to building a better South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia has engaged representatives of the private security industry as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation ahead of planned demonstrations on 30 June 2026.

Cachalia met with industry representatives on Wednesday morning, describing the private security sector as a potential force multiplier for the South African Police Service (SAPS) during periods of heightened security concerns and increased public mobilisation.

According to the Ministry of Police, the meeting focused on enhancing collaboration between the public and private sectors to safeguard stability and security in the country ahead of the demonstrations.

Cachalia acknowledged tensions linked to immigration-related challenges facing South Africa and said that while government was addressing those issues through appropriate channels, all stakeholders had a responsibility to help ensure the country remained stable, peaceful and safe.

The Acting Minister warned that threats of violence posed a significant national security risk, particularly given the impact of the July 2021 unrest.

He said developments leading up to June 30 had been associated with forms of mobilisation and conduct that could undermine South Africa’s standing regionally and internationally.

The meeting identified enhanced information sharing, coordinated planning and the pooling of resources between the public and private sectors as key measures to manage security risks during the period.

Representatives of the private security industry welcomed the call for closer cooperation and pledged support for ensuring that any demonstrations on June 30 take place in a safe and lawful manner.

The industry told the meeting that preparations were already under way and expressed readiness to assist in maintaining public safety.

Cachalia thanked the private security sector for making resources available to support efforts aimed at maintaining national stability. He stressed the importance of effective coordination to maximise the use of those resources.

The Acting Minister also noted heightened public concern and anxiety surrounding recent developments, saying that clear and consistent communication with stakeholders and communities would be important in promoting calm and confidence. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Military Police, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), has successfully executed two intelligence-driven operations in Mooiplaas, Pretoria, resulting in the recovery of stolen military weapons and the arrest of three suspects.

The Department of Defence said in a statement that on 07 June 2026, a joint team comprising five members from the Thaba Tshwane Military Police Area Office, the Northern Military Police Region Specialist Investigation Team (SIB), Police Intelligence (POLINT), and six members of SAPS Pretoria Central conducted a special operation, following credible intelligence.

The team mobilised on foot and apprehended two foreign nationals.

One Multiple Grenade Launcher and one R4 Assault Rifle were recovered during the operation.

The suspects appeared before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on 08 June 2026, where bail was denied. The case was remanded to 19 June 2026.

On 17 June 2026, the same team, reinforced by members of 13 Provost Company, conducted another targeted operation in Mooiplaas. One male foreign national was arrested, and one Multiple Grenade Launcher was recovered. The suspect is scheduled to make his first court appearance today at the Magistrate’s Court.

These successful operations were conducted under the command of Maj Chauke (SIB), with SSgt Godi (Military Police) serving as the investigating officer.

“The Military Police remain resolute in their mission: they will not rest until every suspect has been brought to justice and the last outstanding weapon has been recovered,” Defence department said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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