Category: South Africa Government

Southern Africa has taken a decisive step towards unlocking large-scale investment in land restoration, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods, following the conclusion of the Southern African Great Green Wall Initiative (SA GGWI) Regional Capacity Building Workshop held in Johannesburg.

Hosted by South Africa through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), in collaboration with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification’s (UNCCD) Global Mechanism, the five-day workshop advanced a regional pipeline of investment-ready projects and proposals across Southern African Development Community member states.

The workshop, held from 27 April to 1 May 2026, brought together governments, development finance institutions, private sector partners and regional bodies to accelerate the transition from policy commitments to bankable projects and programmes.

Unlike traditional engagements focused on strategy and dialogue, the workshop was structured as a practical platform for investment and project development. Participants were equipped with tools to design, finance and implement bankable programmes in land restoration, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.

Member states were also given an opportunity to engage with the private sector, donors and funders on financing instruments, project concept development and matching proposals with funding opportunities, culminating in a clear post-workshop implementation roadmap.

Key outcomes of the workshop include the development of a pipeline of priority project concept notes across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states, identification of regional and national investment gaps and priority intervention areas, strengthened capacity among stakeholders to structure bankable and blended finance-ready projects, and enhanced collaboration between governments, development partners and the private sector.

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, emphasised the importance of shifting from ambition to implementation.

“The Southern African Great Green Wall Initiative represents a critical opportunity for our region to restore ecosystems while unlocking sustainable economic opportunities. What is required now is not only commitment, but the ability to translate that commitment into investable programmes that deliver real impact on the ground,” Swarts said. 

Managing Director of the UNCCD Global Mechanism, Louise Baker, underscored the role of partnerships and financing innovation.

“Through the Great Green Wall Initiative, we are seeing a shift toward integrated, multi-sectoral solutions that bring together public and private finance. The focus on investment readiness is key to unlocking the scale of resources required to transform landscapes and livelihoods,” Baker said. 

The workshop also saw strong participation from financial institutions, including the African Development Bank, Climate Investment Funds and the Global Environment Facility, as well as private sector players engaging on innovative financing models such as blended finance, carbon markets and nature-based investment instruments.

South Africa’s hosting of the workshop reinforces its role in advancing biodiversity conservation, sustainable land management, climate resilience and sustainable development, while strengthening efforts to mobilise resources to address land degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change.

The outcomes of the workshop are expected to inform the next phase of the SA GGWI, including refining project pipelines, mobilising financial resources and implementing priority interventions over the next six to 12 months. – SAnews.gov.za

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Residents in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District in the Northern Cape have been urged to remain vigilant, avoid flooded areas and adhere to safety advisories as severe weather continues to disrupt communities. 

The call follows a meeting of the District Joint Operating Coordinating Committee (JOC) on Friday, where government and municipal stakeholders assessed the impact of inclement weather conditions across the district.

“Residents are urged to remain vigilant, avoid flooded areas, adhere to safety advisories, and cooperate with authorities during this period. Communities are also encouraged to report emergencies to relevant authorities,” Government said in a statement released by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on Saturday. 

Government said that reports presented during the session confirmed that several areas remain severely affected, with some residential properties surrounded by water, damage to road infrastructure, and disruptions to basic services. 

The committee noted with concern the extent of the impact, particularly in the Joe Morolong Local Municipality, which continues to bear the brunt of the adverse weather conditions.

The JOC also reviewed coordinated response measures currently underway, including disaster assessments, humanitarian assistance, road closures and the establishment of alternative routes where necessary. However, efforts to provide relief to affected households have been hampered by limited access to some communities.

“The Committee reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensure a coordinated, efficient, and responsive approach to the current crisis. Stakeholders will continue to work collaboratively to ensure that affected communities receive the necessary support and that risks are mitigated,” the statement read. 

Assessment reports from various sectors will be consolidated and submitted to the provincial government to guide further interventions and resource allocation.

Government added that all three local municipalities in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District will host special council meetings between 01 – 04 May 2026, to deliberate on the ongoing challenges and to possibly pass resolutions on declaring local state of disasters. – SAnews.gov.za 

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While Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, is still to announce the date for the launch of the game changing HIV prevention medication Lenacapavir, the injectable will help the country in its fight against HIV, while also benefiting South Africans.

Lenacapavir is administered via injection twice a year, offering six months of continuous protection per dose and offers a welcomed relief from daily pills or the bi-monthly injections.

The first batch of the HIV prevention medicine, which is a new, long-acting antiretroviral drug – specifically an HIV-1 capsid inhibitor that is used for HIV prevention (as PrEP) – arrived in the country in early April.

The medicine’s six-monthly dosing schedule has the potential to overcome many of the barriers South Africa has experienced with daily oral PrEP. This as it offers greater discretion, convenience, and likely better adherence for users, especially for people who struggle with taking a pill every day or making frequent clinic visits.

The delivery of the medication is part of integrated, differentiated and people-centred HIV prevention services, offering new hope for people who face barriers to existing HIV prevention methods.

The six-monthly HIV injectable is expected to expand HIV prevention choices, improve adherence, especially amongst the most vulnerable priority groups, including adolescent girls and young women, sex workers, and men having sex with men, among others.

South Africa received the first batch of 37 920 doses of the medicine that the Department of Health has described as a preventive medicine, not a vaccine.

The department said Lenacapavir is a preventive medicine, not a vaccine, considered one of the most significant HIV prevention advances in years. 

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Guidelines on Lenacapavir for HIV prevention, the organisation recommends offering the injectable as an additional HIV prevention choice.

Among the benefits of the drug is that it need not be discontinued during pregnancy and breastfeeding for HIV-negative women with a high likelihood of exposure to HIV, said the WHO.

In tabling the Department of Health’s Budget Vote in July last year, Motsoaledi said government plans to offer the drug to young women, and everyone at risk to stay HIV-free.  This as women and girls have carried the greatest burden of the HIV epidemic.

“To reach our goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat and achieve the UNAIDS [Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS] target of 95% of people at risk having access to prevention options, we must continually improve and expand our prevention toolkit,” the Minister said at a roundtable session last October.

The department said that condoms were not being used as widely as it would like and that when coming to the taking of oral PrEP, many users find it difficult to take a pill every single day due to stigma, pill fatigue, or life circumstances. 

Making HIV prevention easier

Announcing the registration of the injectable in October 2025, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) said the antiviral medicine was developed to prevent new HIV infections with its initiation dose of a subcutaneous injection (administered just under the skin) with tablets (taken on days 1 and 2). 

“It is used to reduce the risk of HIV in adults and adolescents who weigh at least 35 kg; are HIV negative, and are at risk of getting HIV. Lenacapavir for PrEP should always be used in combination with safer sex practices, such as using condoms, to reduce the risk of getting other sexually transmitted infections,” said SAHPRA.

SAHPRA is an entity of the National Department of Health.

In the Guidelines of the WHO, evidence on the safety and efficacy for HIV prevention of the medicine “was collected in a systematic review of peer-reviewed scientific reports”, whereby 12 eligible reports were included, containing data from two studies. 

“The two included studies, namely PURPOSE 1 (5) and PURPOSE 2 (6), were multi-centred, double-blind, randomized, activecontrolled trials,” said the WHO.

The Department of Health said the clinical trials of PURPOSE showed outstanding efficacy.

“In one trial among women, it showed 100% efficacy within the study period – and in another trial amongst men who have sex with men and transgender women, efficacy was around 96%. On the strength of this evidence, the WHO this year issued new guidelines recommending Lenacapavir as an additional HIV prevention choice,” said the department.

South Africa’s rollout of the medicine will prioritise pregnant and breastfeeding women, adolescent girls and young key populations, female sex workers, and men who have sex with men to “yield the highest impact”.

The department’s approach of the rollout of the injectable is data driven.

The department plans to rollout Lenacapavir initially to about 23 high-incidence districts across six provinces, targeting around 360 high-performing public clinics within areas for Phase 1 implementation.

While the launch date of the game changer injectable is still to be announced, this seems to be a much-needed cog in the country’s toolkit against HIV. – SAnews.gov.za 

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The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has marked Workers’ Day by paying tribute to South Africa’s workforce, while welcoming its new Commissioner, Dr Johnstone Makhubu.

Commissioner Makhubu has begun his term with a pledge to strengthen fairness, trust and institutional integrity.

In his first official statement, Makhubu said his appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa, on the recommendation of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, carried significant responsibility at a time when the country depends heavily on an effective and trusted revenue authority.

He described Workers’ Day as a reminder that South Africa’s economy is built on the labour, resilience and sacrifice of its working people.

“Workers are the bedrock of our economy. Their effort sustains everything we do as a country,” he said, adding that SARS exists to transform that effort into public value through revenue collection that supports schools, infrastructure and economic opportunity.

Makhubu said his leadership approach would be grounded in stewardship rather than authority. 

“Leadership at SARS is not about power; it is about trust. That trust must be earned daily through fairness, consistency and humility in how we apply the law,” he said.

He stressed that SARS operates at the centre of South Africa’s social and economic contract, with a mandate to secure revenue, strengthen compliance and safeguard the integrity of the tax system. 

“We carry one of the most serious responsibilities in the state. That trust is not symbolic — it must be protected in every decision and every interaction,” he said.

The Commissioner paid tribute to the institution’s recent history of recovery and reform, crediting the leadership of former Commissioner Edward Kieswetter for restoring institutional stability and rebuilding public confidence after a turbulent period in the organisation’s past.

He said SARS enters this new phase with a strong global reputation as a modern, capable revenue authority. 

However, he cautioned that maintaining that standing would require continued discipline. 

A central feature of the new Commissioner’s agenda is an internal reform drive named “Doing Basics Right”, which focuses on strengthening core operational performance. The aim, he said, is to build a system where compliance becomes simpler and more intuitive, and where “the best service is no service” because processes are efficient and seamless.

Makhubu reaffirmed SARS’s commitment to tackling the country’s growing illicit economy, which continues to erode the tax base and distort legitimate competition. 

“SARS has developed its own Illicit Economy Strategy that will complement national efforts. The scale of the challenge is significant, and it demands coordinated and decisive action,” he said.

Another key pillar of his strategy is what he termed Modernisation 3.0, an expansion of SARS’s digital transformation agenda. The programme will deepen the use of data analytics, automation and digital platforms to improve service delivery and compliance monitoring.

However, he emphasised that technology alone would not be sufficient. 

“Modern systems must be matched with strong human capability. We will continue to invest in skills, training and professional excellence to ensure SARS remains at the forefront of tax administration globally,” he said.

Compliant taxpayers, he said, would be treated with clarity, respect and professionalism, with systems designed to reduce friction and make compliance easier.

At the same time, he issued a firm warning to those who deliberately evade tax obligations. 

“Those who choose not to comply, who abuse the system or undermine it for personal gain, should expect decisive enforcement action. A tax system only works when everyone contributes fairly,” he said.

He concluded by reflecting on the significance of Workers’ Day as both symbolic and practical in shaping SARS’s mission. 

“This day reminds us that institutions exist to serve people. Our task is to honour the work of South Africans by ensuring that the system they fund is fair, efficient and worthy of their trust,” he said.

SARS said it remains committed to strengthening service delivery, improving compliance systems and safeguarding South Africa’s revenue base as it enters a new phase of institutional leadership and reform. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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The Electoral Commission of South Africa has welcomed the announcement of the date for the country’s upcoming Local Government Elections, describing it as a key milestone in preparations for the polls.

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday confirmed 4 November 2026 as the day for South Africans to head to the polls.

Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said the confirmation provides much-needed clarity for stakeholders and enables the Commission to intensify its operational planning. 

“The announcement of the election date provides clarity for all role players and certainty of planning for the Electoral Commission as we continue our work to deliver free and fair municipal elections,” Mamabolo said.

The Commission has urged all eligible South Africans to verify their voter registration status ahead of the elections. 

Citizens who are not yet registered, or who have recently moved, are encouraged to ensure they are registered in the voting district where they ordinarily reside. 

The IEC emphasised that voters may only cast their ballots at the voting station where they are registered.

The President’s announcement does not yet constitute the formal legal proclamation of the election date. 

In terms of the law, the official proclamation will be made by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, at which point the national voters’ roll will be closed.

The Commission has made its online registration platform https://registertovote.elections.org.za/ available via its official website, allowing users to register or update their details using a desktop computer or mobile phone. 

In addition, a national voter registration weekend is scheduled for 20 and 21 June 2026, when citizens can register in person at the voting stations where they intend to vote.

The Commission has called on all eligible citizens to take advantage of these opportunities, verify their registration details early, and participate fully in shaping the future of their local communities. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Government has extended its appreciation to workers across the nation as the country commemorates Workers’ Day on 1 May 2026.

Acting Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Nomonde Mnukwa, has highlighted the critical role workers play in driving the country’s growth and development. 

In a statement on Friday, Mnukwa emphasised that Workers’ Day serves as a moment to recognise not only the economic contributions of employees, but also their ongoing efforts to build fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing decent work, protecting labour rights, and supporting job creation initiatives.

Mnukwa noted that workers across all sectors—especially those who continue to serve communities daily—remain central to the nation’s progress.

“We honour the dedication of workers across all sectors,” she said, adding that their service forms the backbone of the country’s social and economic development.

Workers’ Day, historically rooted in the global labour movement, remains a significant public holiday in South Africa, symbolising both the achievements of workers and the ongoing pursuit of improved working conditions.

The 2026 message aligns with broader national priorities, including inclusive economic growth and employment creation, as the country continues to address labour challenges while celebrating the resilience and contribution of its workforce. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has outlined government’s plans to expand economic opportunities, particularly for young people, as South Africa marks International Workers’ Day.

In a statement on Friday, the Minister paid tribute to workers across sectors, describing them as the “heartbeat of the economy” and central to the country’s democratic foundation. 

She said Workers’ Day serves not only as a celebration of past struggles, but as a commitment to ensuring that decent work becomes a reality for all South Africans.

The Minister announced that 2026 has been declared the “Year of Putting Young South Africans to Work”, in honour of the 1976 youth and the upcoming golden jubilee of the uprising. 

She said government interventions, including Labour Activation Programmes (LAP), are being used to tackle unemployment nationwide.

According to Meth, nearly R3.4 billion in contracts has already been allocated to implementing partners across six provinces, benefiting more than 118 000 people. 

These efforts are aimed at expanding access to jobs and skills development.

“We are ensuring that the dignity of work is accessible to more South Africans than ever before,” she said.

Meth highlighted the ongoing enforcement of the National Minimum Wage and occupational health and safety standards, stressing that fair pay and safe working conditions are essential for productivity and economic growth.

On the legislative front, the Minister pointed to several reforms currently before Parliament. These include the Employment Services Amendment Bill, which seeks to modernise labour market regulation and address unemployment, particularly by managing the employment of foreign nationals.

She said the National Labour Migration Policy, approved by Cabinet, will work alongside the Bill to regulate foreign labour through quotas and sector-specific restrictions.

In addition, proposed labour law amendments aim to strengthen worker protections, improve enforcement mechanisms and expand rights for vulnerable groups. 

Among the changes is a new shared parental leave system, replacing existing maternity and parental leave frameworks with a more equitable model.

Meth noted that workers in sectors such as retail, security and hospitality remain particularly vulnerable due to irregular hours and unstable income, and said reforms are designed to address these challenges.

The Minister reaffirmed government’s broader priorities, including strengthening labour protections, expanding social security through the Unemployment Insurance Fund and Compensation Fund, and accelerating job creation through partnerships with the private sector.

She referenced President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of 10 000 labour inspectors, supported by an additional 20 000 inspector interns, to improve enforcement of labour laws and protect workers.

Meth urged organised labour, business and civil society to work together to advance economic growth and fairness in the labour market.

“We must act together as a united people,” she said, urging South Africans to continue building an inclusive and equitable labour market.

Meth wished workers a peaceful Workers’ Day, acknowledging their role in shaping the country’s future. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

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Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, has called on motorists, public transport operators and workers travelling to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) May Day event to prioritise road safety, as traffic volumes are expected to spike over this long weekend.

The Cosatu national May Day rally will take place on Friday, 1 May, at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium from 8am to 6pm, with an estimated 15 000 people expected to attend.

Additional rallies organised by other federations will also be held across the province.

Mathye noted that the rally coincides with month-end, a period typically marked by increased travel as workers receive their salaries.

“This is another extended weekend. We want every worker to arrive at their respective rallies safely and return alive,” Mathye said on Thursday.

Traffic management plan activated

The department has activated a comprehensive traffic management plan covering major routes into Polokwane.

Law enforcement officers will be deployed from early Friday morning to monitor key corridors, including:
•    N1 South and R101 (Waterberg District)
•    R37 (Sekhukhune District)
•    R71 and R81 (Mopani District)
•    N1 North, R524 and R578 (Vhembe District)
•    D19, R521 and R567 (Capricorn District)

Hundreds of buses and minibus taxis are expected to transport commuters from across Limpopo’s five districts to the main venue.

Safety appeal to motorists and operators

Mathye issued a strong appeal for compliance with road safety regulations:

• No overloading.
• No drinking and driving.
• No speeding.
•  Rest and patience. 

The department wished all workers a safe, peaceful, and successful International Workers’ Day. – SAnews.gov.za

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EThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba has called for the establishment of special courts to address the growing problem of land invasions and property hijackings.

Xaba on Wednesday said he has approached Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, with the proposal, citing growing concern among property owners who struggle to reclaim hijacked land or buildings through existing legal processes.

“Once they lose control of their land or buildings to criminals, it becomes extremely difficult and costly to reclaim them. This process requires court supervision, which does not come cheap,” Xaba said during a media briefing on Wednesday.

Xaba noted that in many townships and suburbs, properties are still registered in the names of the original owners, who are now deceased. The problem, he said, is compounded by the fact that many did not leave wills, which further complicates the transfer of ownership.

“Some of these properties have fallen prey to criminal syndicates, who hijack them and unlawfully collect rent from tenants. Many property owners are unable to access legal recourse due to financial constraints,” the mayor said.

Xaba believes that specialised courts can ameliorate the situation and make the administration of justice more accessible, similar to municipal courts that deal with traffic violations and commercial courts.

“I strongly believe that the establishment of special courts for hijacked properties and land invasions will protect property owners from unlawful activities and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable,” he said.

The mayor has directed City Manager Musa Mbhele to establish a task team to consolidate a formal proposal for submission to the Minister.

Xaba’s call follows the Prevention of Illegal Eviction (PIE) from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Amendment Bill, published recently, which seeks to empower municipalities, State entities and private property owners to respond more decisively to illegal occupations and evictions.

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, who announced the release of the bill for public comments, said the proposed amendments aim to strengthen the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act of 1998 by making it more effective, easier to interpret and simpler to enforce.

The move comes amid a rise in unlawful land and building occupations across the country, placing a significant financial and administrative burden on both government and the private sector.

Debt relief for deceased estates

In a related intervention, Xaba announced that the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality has introduced a Deceased Estate Debt Write-Off Programme to help address challenges linked to properties registered under deceased estates.

Xaba said the programme was due to challenges when the municipality collect rates from properties registered under deceased estates.

He said through the initiative, the municipality has written off more than R500 million in outstanding debt.

The programme applies to properties valued at under R1 million, where the estate had remained unresolved for at least 24 months, as of the policy’s approval in August 2024.

“A key condition is that family members must agree on who will take responsibility for municipal accounts to prevent the re-accumulation of debt,” Xaba explained.

Xaba said the intervention aims to ease administrative and financial burdens on affected families, while improving revenue collection and property regularisation in the city. – SAnews.gov.za

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