Category: South Africa Government

Government has called on community members in the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality in Mpumalanga to attend the Government Exhibition Day (GED) on Thursday and make use of the wide range of government services available.

The GED forms part of the Government Communication and Information System’s (GCIS) ongoing national outreach programme aimed at bringing essential government services, information, and resources directly to communities, particularly those in remote and underserved areas. 

The one‑stop‑shop exhibition enables residents to engage face‑to‑face with multiple government departments in a single location, reducing the need for long‑distance travel.

Key services to be provided at the Government Exhibition Day include, among others:

• Home Affairs: Applications and collections of identity documents, smart ID cards, and birth certificates.
• Social Development (SASSA): Enquiries and applications for social grants.
• Health Services: Free health screenings, health education, and vaccination information.
• South African Revenue Service (SARS): Tax‑related assistance and administrative support.
• Employment and Labour: UIF enquiries and registration for employment opportunities.

The GCIS, in partnership with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, will host a Government Exhibition Day on Thursday at the Dundonald Shopping Complex.

In preparation for the GED, GCIS hosted a Community Media Sector Workshop on Tuesday, focused on strengthening the capacity, compliance, and sustainability of community media in Mpumalanga. 

The workshop was addressed by the Mpumalanga MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, in his capacity as spokesperson for the Provincial Executive Council.

The workshop brought together representatives from the community media sector, senior government officials, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), SARS, and officials from both national and provincial government. 

Discussions focused on media‑buying compliance, access to funding and government support, as well as ethical and gender‑sensitive reporting.

A dedicated session by the Commission for Gender Equality guided gender‑sensitive writing and reporting, particularly in relation to Gender‑Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), to strengthen responsible and impactful community journalism.

On Wednesday, 24 June, GCIS will also host youth cooperatives entrepreneurship empowerment seminars across the province in Chief Albert Luthuli , Nkomazi and Thembisile Hani local municipalities. –SAnews.gov.za

The upcoming Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Summit of Heads of State or Government is expected to provide a key platform for Member States to advance regional cooperation, strengthen industrial development and accelerate economic transformation across Southern Africa.

“The SACU Summit provides a strategic platform for Member States to deepen regional integration, strengthen industrial cooperation and advance practical initiatives that support economic growth, job creation and shared prosperity across our region,” said the Chairperson of the SACU Senior Trade Officials, Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter, on Tuesday.

South Africa will host the 9th SACU Summit of Heads of State or Government on 26 June 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 (CTICC 2) in Cape Town.

Mlumbi-Peter said SACU’s future growth would increasingly depend on its ability to move beyond traditional trade arrangements towards greater productive capacity and stronger industrial collaboration.

“We are working towards a more industrialised and competitive SACU that leverages regional value chains, supports manufacturing development and creates opportunities for businesses and citizens across all Member States. 

“Through closer cooperation, we can unlock new opportunities in sectors such as automotive manufacturing, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals beneficiation and emerging green industries,” she said.

Mlumbi-Peter emphasised that SACU remains an important building block for broader African economic integration.

“The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area presents significant opportunities for SACU Member States. By strengthening regional value chains and improving trade facilitation, we can position our region to compete more effectively in continental and global markets,” she said.

The Summit will bring together Heads of State or Government and representatives of the five SACU Member States — the Republic of Botswana, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republic of Namibia and the Republic of South Africa — to deliberate on key issues affecting regional economic integration, industrial development and trade cooperation.

As SACU’s highest decision-making institution, the Summit provides strategic and political direction to the organisation and oversees the implementation of its programmes and priorities.

The 9th SACU Summit is expected to consider several strategic matters aimed at advancing regional economic development and integration.

Among the key items on the agenda will be an update from the SACU Council of Ministers on the implementation and mid-term review of the SACU Strategic Plan (2022–2027), reflections on emerging global developments and their impact on SACU economies, as well as a report on the re-imagined SACU and its future direction.

The Summit will also provide an opportunity for Member States to assess progress in areas such as industrialisation, regional value chains, customs modernisation, trade facilitation, investment promotion and opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Summit will be preceded by a series of technical, administrative and ministerial meetings from 18 to 24 June 2026, which will consider progress made in implementing SACU programmes and priorities and prepare recommendations for consideration by Heads of State or Government. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong says the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Media Awards continue to play an important role in advancing regional integration and cooperation. 

“Established in 1996, the SADC Media Awards were designed to recognise and celebrate excellence in journalism while encouraging media practitioners to cover issues relating to regional development, integration and cooperation,” Morolong said.

Delivering opening remarks at the 31st SADC Media Awards Regional Adjudication Committee Meeting, held in Sandton on Tuesday, Morolong said the awards have, over the years, become one of SADC’s most important platforms for recognising outstanding work in Print Journalism, Radio Journalism, Television Journalism and Photojournalism.

“These awards do more than honour individual achievement. They encourage journalists to tell stories that deepen understanding of regional priorities, highlight development initiatives and strengthen connections among the peoples of Southern Africa,” Morolong said.

The Deputy Minister said the Regional Adjudication Committee plays a critical role in assessing the applications.

“The quality and credibility of the awards depend on the diligence, integrity and professionalism of both the National Adjudication Committees and this Regional Adjudication Committee.

“I therefore wish to acknowledge the important work performed by the National Adjudication Committees across Member States. Your efforts ensure that the most deserving entries are identified and submitted for regional consideration,” he said.

Morolong called for the awards programme to be strengthened even further.

“We must intensify awareness campaigns to ensure that more journalists across the region are aware of these opportunities. We must make the submission process as accessible and user-friendly as possible. And we must continue to uphold the highest standards of transparency, fairness and accountability in the adjudication process, both nationally and regionally,” the Deputy Minister said.

Morolong said the SADC Media Awards remain one of the most effective vehicles for promoting regional storytelling.

He emphasised the need for Africa and Southern Africa to tell their own stories.

“Our journalists play a vital role in shaping how our nations see one another and how the world understands our region. Through balanced, accurate and impactful reporting, they help bridge divides, promote mutual understanding and foster a shared regional identity. By telling our own stories, we strengthen social cohesion and deepen the bonds that unite our Member States,” the Deputy Minister said. 

Morolong used the occasion to encourage media practitioners across the country and across all Member States to take advantage of the platform to showcase stories that contribute positively to regional integration, cooperation and development.

In his welcome remarks, Deputy Government spokesperson William Baloyi said the SADC Media Awards bring together key stakeholders from across Southern Africa and beyond, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting regional integration, advancing communication and information sharing, and supporting the collective aspirations of the people.

“Your participation underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing common challenges and harnessing opportunities for sustainable development across the region,” he said.

Baloyi said the success of regional initiatives depends not only on the policies and frameworks established, but also on meaningful collaboration and dialogue among all stakeholders.

“I encourage all participants to engage actively, share perspectives openly, and take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen networks and partnerships,” he said.   – SAnews.gov.za

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has announced two national initiatives aimed at strengthening municipal capacity and creating employment pathways for graduates, as government intensifies efforts to professionalise South Africa’s human settlements sector.

Speaking at the opening of the International Pan-African City Symposium and Exposition and the launch of the Institute of Human Settlements Practitioners South Africa (IHSP-SA) at Nelson Mandela University on Monday, Simelane said the sector required stronger institutional capacity, skilled professionals and innovative approaches to address growing urbanisation, climate risks and housing backlogs.

The symposium was held under the theme: “Smart Futures Villages to Smart Economies – Exploring Models that Create Resilient, Equitable, Regenerative and Thriving Communities.”

Simelane said the newly launched institute would play a critical role in advancing professional standards, ethical practice, research and skills development across the human settlements sector.

“The launch of this institute is not an accidental event. It is the result of years of ideas, advocacy, academic work, sector mobilisation and commitment to the recognition of Human Settlements as a serious field of knowledge, practice and public service,” the Minister said.

Special project to strengthen municipalities’ capacity

As part of government’s professionalisation agenda, Simelane announced a National Special Project aimed at assessing and strengthening the capacity of municipalities and provinces to plan, develop and manage human settlements programmes.

The initiative, to be undertaken in partnership with the Presidency, will focus on identifying institutional weaknesses and improving the ability of municipalities, particularly accredited municipalities and secondary cities, to deliver housing and human settlements projects.

The Minister also announced the development of a National Strategy for the Engagement of Housing and Human Settlements Graduates, aimed at creating structured pathways into the sector for university graduates.

“Over the years, universities have produced graduates in housing and human settlements programmes. These graduates possess skills, knowledge and attributes that are directly relevant to the sector. Yet many of them do not find structured pathways into the Human Settlements system,” Simelane said.

The strategy will focus on structured experiential learning, formalised internship models, youth entrepreneurship initiatives to enrich the human settlements sector, and the integration of graduates into areas such as social facilitation, data infrastructure, and local government support.

Additional focus areas include beneficiary management, affordable housing development, title deed acceleration, and the adoption of modern, sustainable construction techniques.

Simelane urged all provinces, including metropolitan municipalities, human settlements entities and non-governmental organisations to prioritise specialised human settlement development qualifications when recruiting for sector-related positions.

“Contractors, developers, and service providers in human settlements technical projects need to do the same by creating opportunities for these graduates This does not mean that other relevant qualifications are excluded. It means that Human Settlements qualifications must no longer be invisible in the sector they were designed to serve,” the Minister said.

She also called on universities and the Department of Higher Education and Training to explore mechanisms that would enable graduates burdened by historic student debt to access their academic certificates and enter the workforce.

The launch of the institute comes as government moves to implement the Human Settlements White Paper approved by Cabinet in 2024, which calls for stronger sector capacity, minimum competency standards and the professionalisation of human settlements practice.

Simelane said the department will formalise a cooperation agreement with the institute to support capacity development, research, professional standards, continuous professional development and graduate support. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong has called for greater regional cooperation in addressing migration, emphasising that migration should be handled in accordance with national legislation, regional commitments and international obligations.

Addressing the 31st SADC Media Awards Regional Adjudication Committee Meeting held in Sandton on Tuesday, Morolong said sustainable migration solutions should address the root causes of displacement, create economic opportunities across Member States, strengthen border management and combat human trafficking and related crimes.

“South Africa remains firmly committed to the principles of regional cooperation, solidarity and people-to-people connectivity that underpin the SADC vision. 

“Migration has long been a feature of Southern Africa’s social and economic landscape, contributing to economic development, skills transfer, trade and cultural exchange among our nations. 

“At the same time, South Africa maintains that migration must be managed in an orderly, legal and humane manner, in accordance with national legislation, regional commitments and international obligations,” the Deputy Minister said.

Morolong urged communicators and journalists to promote balanced, factual and responsible reporting on migration, while avoiding stereotypes and misinformation that can undermine social cohesion.

“Our collective objective remains the advancement of a stable, secure, prosperous and integrated SADC region where the movement of people contributes positively to development and regional unity.

“Ultimately, our efforts must contribute to the broader SADC vision of a common future. A future characterised by economic well-being, improved standards of living, peace, security, freedom, social justice and sustainable development for all the peoples of Southern Africa,” the Deputy Minister said.

He explained that this vision is anchored in Africa’s shared values, common aspirations, and historical and cultural affinities.

“It is a vision that requires all sectors of society, including governments, civil society, academia, labour and the media to work together in pursuit of common goals,” the Deputy Minister said.

Also speaking at the event, SADC Secretariat Head of Communications and Public Relations Barbara Lopi encouraged all stakeholders, including SADC National Contact Points, Media Coordinators, development partners and media houses, to join hands in building a regional narrative that inspires pride, unity, solidarity and hope.

“Together, let us ensure that every citizen feels part of something greater, something transformative. The media plays a critical role in communities.

“In our interconnected regional community, media transcends boundaries. A headline in one nation can spark dialogue in another; a local story can inspire regional, and even global, solidarity. The media tells our stories, highlights our achievements, challenges, and gives voice to our aspirations,” Lopi said.

She said journalism is more than reporting; it is a force that connects communities, amplifies voices, and builds bridges across borders. – SAnews.gov.za

Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has urged South African youth to grasp the wealth of opportunities presented as the country moves towards decarbonisation and the establishment of the green economy.

Government has set a target of 102GW of new generation capacity, including 30GW by 2030, in addition to the 14 500km of transmission lines that need to be built to expand the grid.

“So… try to understand what components are required which would be inputs in the building of transmission lines and position yourself there. These are the opportunities that beckon and as entrepreneurs, you should be able to exploit these opportunities and move with speed,” Ramokgopa urged the youth.

The Minister delivered an address on Tuesday at the Youth in Energy Conference and Awards, held in Johannesburg.

He noted that the investment required for the new transmission lines stands at R440 billion, while the investment needed for new generation capacity is some R2.2 trillion.

“What we are doing in the energy sector in the next 12 years constitutes 30% of the South African economy.

“That’s the opportunity that is before you… and as young people, you must position yourselves to participate in this space,” the Minister said.

Furthermore, all the components needed to build infrastructure for the move towards renewable energy require critical minerals, with which South Africa is well endowed.

“If you look at all the critical minerals needed… 70% of those are found in South Africa. It means that South Africa is at the centre of this decarbonisation agenda and we want to own the entire value chain. So, you as young people must choose your place in the entire value chain,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

An illegal initiation school operating in Jankempdorp has been shut down after authorities discovered nine underage children at the site.

The Northern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) said the intervention followed a report received on Friday afternoon, prompting an immediate response from the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC). 

PICC Chief Surgeon, Mlungisi Masimini, attended to the matter and confirmed that the school was operating unlawfully.

Authorities found nine minors at the initiation school, including two girls aged 12 and seven boys aged between 15 and 17. 

According to preliminary investigations, three of the boys had already undergone circumcision.

The three boys have been referred to hospital for medical examinations and assessments to ensure their health and wellbeing. The remaining minors are being cared for while officials await the arrival of their parents or guardians, all of whom have been contacted.

The illegal initiation school was immediately closed and a criminal case has been opened against the owner.

The department condemned the operation of illegal initiation schools, particularly those involving underage children, saying such practices place initiates’ lives, safety and dignity at serious risk and violate legislation governing customary initiation.

The department has appealed to communities, parents and traditional leaders to remain vigilant and report any suspected illegal initiation activities to authorities.

“Protecting initiates and preserving the integrity of customary initiation practices remains a collective responsibility,” the department said.

The investigation is continuing. – SAnews.gov.za

More than 300 learners and students from Ngaka Modiri Molema District have gathered in Mahikeng for a Youth Summit aimed at equipping young people with information on career opportunities, skills development programmes and pathways to employment.

The summit, hosted by North West MEC for Finance Kenetswe Mosenogi, brought together government departments, education and training authorities, financial institutions and industry stakeholders to provide information on education, training and career prospects.

The recent event was held in partnership with the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET), the Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA), the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA), the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and several banking institutions.

Held as part of Youth Month and the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Student Uprisings, the summit sought to empower young people by exposing them to educational, training and career opportunities available through government, higher education institutions and the private sector.

Addressing students, Mosenogi emphasised that South Africa today requires skilled, innovative and determined young people to drive inclusive economic growth.

“With opportunities spanning finance, auditing, governance, technology, project management, entrepreneurship, data analysis and procurement, youth play a critical role in ensuring public resources deliver meaningful impact.

“As the economy becomes increasingly digital and data-driven, young people remain central to shaping municipal finance, infrastructure development, local economic growth and the green economy — carrying forward the legacy of 1976 through education, innovation and leadership,” Mosenogi said.

She added that the summit was an important investment in the future of young people and a fitting tribute to the generation that fought for access to quality education and equal opportunities.

“The greatest tribute we can pay to the generation of 1976 is to ensure that the opportunities they fought for are used in building a better South Africa,” Mosenogi said.

The summit featured discussions on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, innovation, skills development and employment opportunities. Participants also explored practical solutions to challenges facing young people and shared ideas aimed at expanding economic participation across the province.

Acting Head of Department Geo Paul said the initiative aligned with the provincial government’s youth development agenda and Provincial Treasury’s commitment to promote sound financial governance and inclusive economic growth.

“This engagement serves as a strategic initiative in aligning the provincial government’s youth development agenda with the mandate of Provincial Treasury and our commitment to building an inclusive economy,” he said.

The North West Provincial Treasury reaffirmed its committed to supporting youth development through programmes that create pathways to education, employment and entrepreneurship.

The department added that continued collaboration between public and private sector partners remains essential to expanding opportunities for young people, stimulating innovation and driving sustainable economic growth in the province. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has urged senior BRICS security officials to ensure global security responses protect the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Ntshavheni said climate justice, food security, health equity, inclusive growth and information integrity must be treated as central pillars of national and global security.

She was addressing the 16th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisors and High Representatives on National Security in India on Tuesday, where she linked this goal to building a prosperous and peaceful Africa.

“The globe is experiencing worsening climate change with more frequent droughts, floods and extreme storms that destroy crops, damage infrastructure, displace communities and cause loss of lives. 

“These events do not only affect statistics; they affect real lives, they worsen inequality, and they create conditions that breed security threats.  Under these conditions, the BRICS has a responsibility to coordinate effective climate resilience,” the Minister said.

On the just transition, a framework that ensures the shift toward an environmentally sustainable, low-carbon economy, Ntshavheni said a poorly managed shift that deepens poverty or inequality would undermine national security, while a well-planned and properly financed transition can expand opportunity and strengthen democracy.

“South Africa approaches non‑traditional security threats as interlinked and mutually reinforcing. Our just transition agenda reflects the same logic. 

“We are committed to lowering emissions, protecting biodiversity and modernising our economy, while managing the risks to workers and communities who depend on high‑carbon sectors,” she said.

She said climate security is closely tied to food security and global stability.

“We take this opportunity to remind BRICS member states that an unstable Africa due to climate change and other disruptions will worsen global instability,” Ntshavheni said.

She urged BRICS to support the beneficiation of critical minerals close to their source, saying Africa must move beyond exporting rock and dust to producing finished products for green and digital technologies.

“We see BRICS as an instrument to drive reform of global governance, to amplify the voice of the Global South, and to deliver practical cooperation that improves the lives of our people. 

“We believe that BRICS can add value through the mobilisation of affordable finance for climate‑related infrastructure and adaptation, building regional value chains in critical minerals and green technologies, enhancing pandemic surveillance and response, and promoting climate‑smart agriculture and balanced trade in food and inputs,” she said.

Ntshavheni said these initiatives must support African priorities, strengthen the African Continental Free Trade Area and advance Agenda 2063’s vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful continent with silenced guns.

“For South Africa, the real danger is in a disorderly transition in which power is used selectively, international law is applied inconsistently, and shared threats are met with fragmented responses. 

“In such a context, the countries and regions with the least historical responsibility for global crises often carry the heaviest burden, and that includes many in the African continent,” Ntshavheni said.

She said security also depends on whether people are free from crime, instability, hunger, disease and the abuse of information through emerging technologies.

“Security is about whether institutions such as the BRICS can be trusted to coordinate a system that drives economic inclusion for citizens of its member states, but also countries of the global South, in particular the developing and underdeveloped countries, as the BRICS reinforce a functional global multilateral system,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za