Category: South Africa Government

Deputy Minister in The Presidency Kenny Morolong has urged Mams FM to continue placing young people at the centre of its programming and development initiatives.

This as he handed over upgraded, fully digitised broadcast studios to the community radio station in Mamelodi, City of Tshwane on Friday.

Facilitated by the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), the handover was aimed at strengthening community media, empowering local broadcasters and improving access to information at community level.

“Let this studio become a space where future broadcasters are trained, where young entrepreneurs share their ideas, where artists and creatives showcase their talents, and where the next generation of leaders find their voice,” Morolong said on Friday.

Morolong said the upgraded facilities would strengthen the station’s ability to continue supporting the next generation of broadcasters, content creators and entrepreneurs.

“For many young people, community radio serves as the first opportunity to enter the media and communications sector. It provides practical experience in broadcasting, journalism, production, digital content creation and technical operations,” Morolong said.

According to Morolong, the skills gained through community radio help prepare young people to participate meaningfully in the modern economy.

“Through volunteer programmes, internships and training opportunities, stations such as Mams FM become incubators of talent, helping young people gain practical experience that improves their employability and entrepreneurial prospects,” Morolong said. 

He said the station was helping to lower barriers to entry into the creative industries, unlocking opportunities that contribute to skills development, economic participation and job creation.

“Through the installation of a modern on-air studio, a production studio and a power inverter system, the station has significantly improved its operational capacity and resilience. 

“These upgrades will ensure greater reliability, better sound quality and uninterrupted broadcasting even during power disruptions,” the Deputy Minister said.

For listeners, Morolong said the upgrades will ensure continued access to quality programming.

“For the station, they enhance efficiency, sustainability and resilience. For the broader community, new production facilities also open opportunities for emerging artists, musicians, content creators and entrepreneurs to develop their talents using professional equipment,” Morolong said.

Since its launch in April 2011, Mams FM has grown into a trusted and influential community broadcaster, serving as a voice for the people of Mamelodi and the broader Tshwane region.

“Broadcasting on 92.9 FM, the station has built strong connections with its listeners through programming that reflects their realities, aspirations and lived experiences. 

“By celebrating ‘Pitori’ culture, local languages, music and community life, MAMS FM has become a platform for information, dialogue, education, empowerment and the preservation of memory.

“This role is especially important because the history of townships has too often been narrated from the outside, reduced to hardship while overlooking resilience, creativity, leadership and triumph,” the Deputy Minister said.

Morolong said the station helps correct that imbalance by enabling Mamelodi to speak in its own voice.

“Through interviews, commemorations, youth programming, cultural content and community conversations, the station can keep alive the stories of those who resisted oppression, while opening space for today’s residents to imagine and define the future they seek.

“In this way, Mams FM is more than a broadcaster. It is a civic classroom, a cultural archive and a meeting place on air. It connects the liberation history of Mamelodi to the present pursuit of jobs, skills, safety, social cohesion and shared prosperity,” Morolong said.

He added that the station’s greatest strength lies in its ability to bring communities together.

“It provides a space where young people can find inspiration and opportunity, where adults can engage with issues affecting their daily lives, and where the wisdom and experiences of older generations continue to be valued. 

In doing so, Mams FM helps strengthen social cohesion, bridge generational divides and fosters a shared sense of identity and belonging,” the Deputy Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

In a demonstration of government’s resolve to deal decisively with illegal migration, the Inter Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration embarked on a visit to the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Gauteng.

The centre serves as a facility for undocumented migrants and foreign nationals awaiting either verification of their status or deportation from South Africa.

The IMC is led by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD) and constituted by various departments, including Home Affairs, the SA Police Service, Small Business Development, Department of Defence, International Relations (DIRCO), Employment and Labour, Basic Education and Higher Education and Training.

During the visit to the facility on Friday, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said the visit is part of work the IMC is doing to ensure that the reports  received on illegal migration during IMC meetings correlate with the work on the ground.

“Visiting the facility was to check in terms of the facility and its status in terms of being able to cope with the capacity and to understand the demands, the needs and issues we needed to address.

“This facility is not meant to keep people for a long time. It’s… where you pass through. So ordinarily we would want to see not more than 48-hour stay here and if we could have cooperation with the embassies who are in the country where their nationals are here to come and confirm so that we are able to facilitate transportation,” the Minister said.

She added that government will be deepening collaboration between departments to ensure that the centre runs at a higher rate of efficiency.

“For example, Correctional Services and the Department of Home Affairs. Those who have been sentenced prisoners or released to come here, Correctional Services must make sure that they come with their full files of their medical records so that it doesn’t derail…access to their medication.

“Second is the issue of the functioning of the court that needs to be upgraded to meet the minimum standard requirements, support for the judiciary that is here. They currently operate on Fridays.

“We did receive a report that some of the countries [embassies] are not responding. We requested the Minister of International Relations [Ronald Lamola] to help us in particular with Ethiopian nationals and Nigerians,” she stated.

Kubayi added that government, through DIRCO, has requested that those who are at the centre be included in the lists of those who are embarking on voluntary repatriation to their home countries.

“This is part of the work that we are doing. Lindela is the only centre in the country. Everyone is brought here and it is important to look at the capacity of the facility.

“We are happy that now the facility belongs to Home Affairs and is no longer rented. But privately operated. So, it will give us an opportunity to be able to repurpose it properly to be able to meet the requirements,” she noted.

Turning to violent protests and intimidation of undocumented foreign nationals across the country, Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia was unequivocal about those taking the law into their own hands.

“The responsibility to enforce our immigration laws is the responsibility of the state. No-one has the legal right to take the law into their own hands to arrest or intimidate undocumented foreign nationals in the country.

“We have seen very ugly incidents in our country where people do take the law into their own hands, assault people and even worse. It’s not acceptable and the message from the Ministry to the police service has been that they have to take action under the law against those who effectively are breaking the law.

“What I can say is that we’re determined to deal with criminality and those who indulge in this kind of action are themselves behaving like criminals,” Cachalia stated. – SAnews.gov.za

Predominantly cloudy and cold conditions are expected over the central and eastern parts of South Africa this weekend as the country marks a voter registration weekend.

The Electoral Commission will open 23 706 voting stations across the country on Saturday and Sunday, 20 and 21 June 2026, with registration stations operating from 08h00 to 17h00. 

According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), in other areas, conditions are expected to be partly cloudy and cool, although warm weather is forecast in places over the extreme western parts of the country.

SAWS said isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are expected over parts of the Northern Cape, Free State and North West on Saturday, spreading to include the Eastern Cape, Gauteng and Limpopo on Sunday.

“Some light rain is also possible in places over Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. In addition, moderate to fresh wind conditions are expected over the central and western interior, with strong wind gusts possible over the northern parts of the Western Cape, northern and western parts of the Northern Cape, as well as the western parts of the North West,” the weather service said.

SAWS has also issued a Yellow Level 1 warning for damaging winds over the northern and western parts of Namakwa District in the Northern Cape, as well as the northern parts of the West Coast District in the Western Cape, from Friday until Sunday afternoon.

The strong winds may cause localised damage to temporary structures and settlements.

They may also affect some travel services, resulting in longer journey times, while high-sided vehicles could experience difficulties on prone routes.

“Members of the public are advised to prepare for cold and windy conditions, particularly across the central and eastern regions of the country. The combination of low temperatures, rain in places, and wind may result in uncomfortable outdoor conditions for those travelling to and from voting stations.

“Citizens are encouraged to dress warmly, allow additional travel time where showers and strong winds are expected, and remain informed by following the latest weather forecasts and warnings issued by the South African Weather Service.”

SAWS urged members of the public and stakeholders to continue monitoring official forecasts and warnings.

The public is also advised to remain cautious of unauthorised or unverified information sources and to refrain from distributing such information further. – SAnews.gov.za

The eThekwini Municipality has assured investor partners that the temporary use of a drive-in site as a staging and processing facility for undocumented foreign nationals will not compromise the site’s long-term development plans, including a proposed amusement park project.

The municipality said the current operations form part of a short-term, coordinated national government intervention, and are expected to conclude by 30 June 2026, allowing the city to continue advancing transformative investment opportunities earmarked for the site.

In a statement issued on Friday, the municipality emphasised that the facility is not intended to serve as a permanent accommodation centre.

“The facility is being utilised primarily as a processing and transit hub supporting operations led by the Department of Home Affairs, the South African Police Service, the Department of Justice, and other relevant government stakeholders. 

“The intervention involves both repatriation and deportation processes, each governed by distinct legal and operational requirements,” the municipality said.

The municipality explained that the intervention includes both repatriation and deportation processes, each governed by distinct legal and operational requirements.

Repatriation takes place when an individual’s country of origin facilitates and funds their return, while deportation is a legal process undertaken by the South African government.

In terms of South African law, individuals facing deportation must first appear before a court, which must confirm and authorise the deportation order.

To expedite the process, government has established two virtual courts operating from the Sherwood facility, as well as five dedicated physical courts in the Durban central business district.

According to the municipality, a total of 1 396 individuals had been successfully processed through repatriation and deportation initiatives as of 18 June 2026. This includes 62 deportations, while four additional buses were scheduled to depart as part of the ongoing deportation programme.

“These measures are significantly reducing the number of individuals requiring processing and temporary accommodation,” the municipality said.

Based on the current operational plan and ongoing engagement with relevant government stakeholders, the temporary use of the Drive-In Site is expected to end by 30 June 2026.

The municipality said it is simultaneously assessing contingency arrangements to protect the site’s long-term development prospects and strategic economic value.

“The Drive-In Site remains a priority economic development asset, and the city remains fully committed to the proposed amusement park investment.  The development is expected to stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, strengthen Durban’s tourism offering, and deliver lasting benefits to the region,” the municipality said.

The municipality added that it values the confidence shown by investor partners and remains committed to maintaining transparent communication as the investment project progresses. – SAnews.gov.za

Government is committed to continue improving productivity across the manufacturing value chain and positioning South African manufacturers to access new regional and global markets, says the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Alexandra Abrahams.

The Deputy Minister said this while delivering the keynote address at the KwaZulu-Natal Clothing and Textile Cluster’s (KZNCTC) 20th Anniversary Annual General Meeting held at the Toyota Wessels Institute of Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS) in Kloof, Durban.

The KZNCTC is an industry-led public-private partnership focused on improving the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of the clothing, textile, footwear and leather manufacturing sector in KwaZulu-Natal.

Abrahams emphasised that the future of South African manufacturing depends on a clear policy direction.

“We must move decisively away from approaches that rely excessively on protectionist policy instruments. The long-term success of domestic industry will depend on our ability to build businesses that are productive, innovative and capable of competing globally. Our objective must be simple: We must create conditions where South African manufacturers succeed because they are competitive, efficient and world-class.

“That is how we build sustainable industrial growth. That is how we create lasting jobs,” the Deputy Minister said on Thursday.

The engagement formed part ongoing commitment to supporting economic growth, investment and job creation through a stronger and more competitive manufacturing sector.

It also reflected government’s focus on working in partnership with industry to unlock opportunities for local businesses, strengthen value chains and expand employment opportunities.

Deputy Minister Abrahams addressed the growing concern around illegal and non-compliant manufacturing practices within parts of the clothing and textile sector.

“Reports of labour exploitation, unsafe working conditions, immigration violations and non-compliance with bargaining council agreements raise serious concerns for the future integrity of this industry.  

“Businesses that follow the law should never be forced to compete against businesses that ignore the law.  When illegal manufacturing practices are allowed to continue unchecked, the damage extends across the entire value chain. Workers are exploited. Ethical manufacturers are undercut. Retailers face reputational risk. Consumer confidence is weakened. And compliant businesses face commercial pressure that ultimately threatens jobs and livelihoods,” Abrahams said.

She gave assurances that the dtic, is working closely with the Department of Employment and Labour, South African Revenue Service, Home Affairs, bargaining councils and law enforcement agencies to strengthen enforcement action. – SAnews.gov.za 

Nelson Mandela Bay has strengthened its position as one of South Africa’s leading tourism destinations with the deployment of a new cohort of Tourism Safety Officers across key tourism precincts and the city’s internationally acclaimed beachfront.

The initiative forms part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Coastal Tourism Policing Initiative, a strategic partnership between the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA), the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), the South African Police Service (SAPS), Metro Police, and tourism stakeholders.

The deployment represents a significant investment in visitor safety and destination competitiveness, aligning with the Department of Tourism’s Tourism Sector Master Plan, which identifies safety, destination management, job creation, and tourism growth as key priorities for growing the national tourism economy.

The newly trained officers will provide visible patrols, visitor assistance, incident response and law enforcement support in tourism hotspots, helping to create a safer and more welcoming environment for both residents and visitors.

Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, said the initiative demonstrates the city’s commitment to becoming the destination of choice for domestic and international travellers.

“Tourism remains one of the most important drivers of economic growth, job creation and investment in our city. Every visitor who chooses Nelson Mandela Bay supports local businesses, creates employment opportunities and contributes to the growth of our local economy,” Lobishe said.

She said the deployment of Tourism Safety Officers is a direct investment in visitor confidence and destination excellence.

“It also sends a strong message that Nelson Mandela Bay is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and memorable experience for all who visit our city. As we continue to position Nelson Mandela Bay as South Africa’s premier coastal destination and gateway to the Eastern Cape, partnerships such as these play a critical role in enhancing our competitiveness and unlocking new opportunities for tourism growth,” the mayor said.

Tourism Business Council of South Africa Chief Executive Officer Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa said the initiative highlights the value of industry-led investment in tourism safety.

“Through the Tourism Marketing South Africa (TOMSA) Collaborative Fund, Tshivhengwa said tourism businesses are investing directly in initiatives that make destinations safer and more competitive.

“These officers are a tangible example of that investment at work. Safety is not only a public-sector responsibility; it is tourism imperative. This partnership reflects the industry’s commitment to creating environments where visitors can explore with confidence and local tourism businesses can thrive,” Tshivhengwa said.

Funded through a partnership between the TOMSA Collaborative Fund and the MBDA, the programme equips officers with specialised training, vehicles, communication equipment and operational support structures designed to enhance coordination between tourism stakeholders and law enforcement agencies.

Tourism remains a strategic economic sector for both Nelson Mandela Bay and South Africa, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to local economic development.

The municipality said the deployment forms part of the city’s broader Tourism Safety Plan, which seeks to improve visitor experiences, strengthen destination competitiveness and attract increased tourism investment.

“The initiative further reinforces Nelson Mandela Bay’s commitment to building a safe, vibrant and globally competitive destination capable of attracting visitors, events and investment while showcasing the best of the Eastern Cape and South Africa,” the municipality said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

As South Africa marks the 50^th anniversary of the June 1976 Youth Uprising in Soweto, Deputy President Paul Mashatile has encouraged young people to register to vote in the upcoming local elections.

The Electoral Commission will open 23 706 voting stations across the country this weekend, 20 and 21 June 2026, with registration stations operating from 08h00 to 17h00.

“I want to encourage young people to go out in their numbers to check their status and register to vote during this Voter Registration Weekend,” the Deputy President said on Thursday in Cape Town.

The Voter Registration Weekend offers an opportunity for eligible voters to ensure that their details are accurately captured and updated.

Mashatile made the remarks in Cape Town on Thursday while paying tribute to the youth of 1976 during a National Council of Provinces (NCOP) session in which he responded to oral questions.

 “Allow me to salute the heroic actions of the youth of 1976. Their courage continues to inspire us as we strive to build a non‑racial, non‑sexist, democratic, united, and prosperous society,” the Deputy President said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs has announced that it will extend office hours across the country this weekend to support the Voter Registration Weekend.

Home Affairs offices will be open nationwide on Saturday and Sunday to make it easier for citizens to obtain the Smart ID Cards they need to register and participate in the 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE), scheduled for 4 November 2026.

More than 370 000 Smart ID Cards are currently awaiting collection at Home Affairs offices nationwide.

Citizens are encouraged to visit their nearest Home Affairs office to apply for a Smart ID Card or collect one that is ready for collection. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy Minister of Tourism Makhotso Sotyu has called on the tourism sector to increase investment in initiatives that connect young people to employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Speaking at the #YouthInTourism engagement held in the Free State, Sotyu said young South Africans possess the creativity, energy and innovation needed to help drive the country’s economic development. 

She urged both government and industry stakeholders to work together to ensure that young people are equipped with the skills and support necessary to participate meaningfully in the tourism economy.

“The youth in our country are vibrant, innovative and they have the ability to actively participate in building South Africa’s future. Tourism is uniquely positioned to support their efforts.”

The engagement, held under the theme: “Reset@50 – A Future in Tourism Calls”, formed part of Youth Month commemorations marking the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Youth Uprising. 

The event brought together government representatives, tourism stakeholders, chefs, entrepreneurs and aspiring young professionals to explore opportunities within the tourism value chain.

Sotyu described tourism as a people-centred industry that relies on human talent, skills and innovation. 

She stressed that young people must be given greater access to opportunities that will allow them to contribute to economic growth while building sustainable careers.

“Tourism is built by people, powered by people and sustained by people. As policymakers and drivers of this economy, we must ensure that young South Africans are equipped with the skills, support and opportunities to participate meaningfully in the economy and contribute to our country’s development.”

The event featured a variety of activities, including a culinary showcase celebrating South African cuisine, presentations from industry stakeholders, mentorship sessions and networking opportunities between emerging chefs and established professionals. 

Organisers said the programme was designed to demonstrate tourism’s ability to create economic opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities.

Highlighting the sector’s importance, Sotyu noted that tourism contributed 4.9% to South Africa’s gross domestic product and sustained 954 000 direct jobs in 2024. 

She said domestic tourism remains a key driver of the industry’s success and continues to create pathways into the economy through small businesses and community-based enterprises.

“Tourism creates pathways and opportunities into the economy for young people,” she said. 

“Government remains committed to implementing programmes focused on skills development, entrepreneurship support and capacity building. With continued support from stakeholders, we can empower more young people to enter the sector equipped with the skills needed for future success.”

The Deputy Minister’s call for investment was echoed by Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, who described investment as a catalyst for industrialisation, job creation, skills development and enterprise growth.

The Premier revealed that the Free State government recently secured investment commitments worth approximately R400 billion during an investment mission to China. She said the investment would create significant opportunities for residents, particularly young people and women.

“This is a clear vote of confidence in our province, our people and our vision for economic transformation,” Letsoha-Mathae said. – SAnews.gov.za

There is no meaningful economic growth or significant job creation that can be achieved without a value-adding industrialisation pathway, Acting Chief Director for Innovation and Technology at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), Nontombi Maseko said.

Speaking at a  panel discussion on “Innovation as a driver of Industrialisation” at a Policy Dialogue on Industrialisation Through Innovation,  Maseko said innovation is a central lever to re-industrialisation by improving productivity, supporting diversification, and enabling participation in high-value global markets.

“Furthermore, it raises productivity, deepens skills and strengthens export competitiveness and must be supported from idea to market entry and scale,” she said on Thursday.

Maseko added that the department plays a catalytic role through incentives, procurement, and sectoral interventions. The dtic and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation she said, co-developed the National Technology Commercialisation Strategy to accelerate the commercialisation of locally developed technologies for domestic and international markets.

“The industrialisation imperative is clear, if South Africa does not build local manufacturing capability for components such as electrolysers and fuel cells, the green hydrogen economy will generate export revenue without generating industrial jobs or building domestic capability.”

In addition, Maseko added that the dtic  does not regard innovation as a separate policy domain.

“Instead, innovation is embedded across every instrument we deploy. Procurement designations create markets, incentives support investment, Special Economic Zones provide the necessary infrastructure and space, while programmes such as the Support Programme for Industrial Innovation (SPII) and The Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP) fund technology development and sector Master plans help to coordinate the social compact required to drive industrialisation.

“Over the past five years, R49 million and R157 million was disbursed for SPII and THRIP respectively. Together, these interventions ensure that innovation remains at the centre of South Africa’s industrial development agenda.

“Localisation strengthens capability, capability fuels innovation, and innovation drives industrialisation,” explained Maseko.

The dialogue which got underway on Thursday, is hosted by the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI), in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and the OR Tambo Special Economic Zone.

READ | Dialogue to place innovation under the spotlight

Held  at the Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre, OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, the gathering is set to conclude on Friday, 19 June. – SAnews.gov.za