Category: South Africa Government

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has called for a data-driven, evidence-based approach to tackling South Africa’s youth unemployment challenge.

The Minister delivered remarks at the Government Technical Advisory Centre Public Economics Conference held under the theme: “Counting the Crisis: Data, Evidence and Solutions for Youth Unemployment in South Africa”.

“The focus of the conference also reminds us of three important things.

“First, that we must be honest about the scale of the crisis. Second, that we must pursue a holistic understanding of the challenge of unemployment. Meaning that the figures must be held in the same breath as the people and lives behind them.

“Thirdly, the theme compels us to move beyond describing the problem and expressing our concern to evidence, to implementing solutions-driven evidence,” Godongwana said on Tuesday.

According to Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey released in May, youth unemployment stands at 60.9% for those aged 15-24 with an unemployment rate of 40.6% for those aged 25-34 – numbers the Minister characterised as “stark”.

“We must, however, be careful. Data should not produce fatalism. Data must produce better decisions. If we count the crisis only to repeat how serious it is, then we have not done enough.

“We must count what works, what does not work, who is being reached, who is being missed, what the fiscal cost is, what can be scaled, and what should be redesigned,” Godongwana said.

He added that the challenge of youth unemployment must also be targeted with a faster-growing inclusive economy.

“But growth will not happen by itself. It requires reform. Reform requires implementation. Implementation requires capable institutions.

“And capable institutions require credible public finances, good data, accountability and discipline,” the Minister said.

Youth in action

He told the youth participants at the conference to approach it with critical thinking – urging them not to “accept easy answers…slogans from government, business, from your university professors or the leaders of NGOs”.

“You are not here only to listen to older people discuss your future. You are here because South Africa needs your intellect, your discipline and your honesty.

“We need young economists, data scientists, public managers, social scientists, engineers, researchers and practitioners who can combine empathy with evidence. We need people who can look at a spreadsheet and still see a human being.

“[Continue] to ask hard questions. Ask what works. Ask who benefits. Question what the trade-offs are, and what the evidence is saying. Ask what must change in the state, in firms, in universities, in communities, and in the way we use public money,” the Minister urged.

He also encouraged young people to come up with solutions that can turn around the challenges they face.

“South Africa needs a generation that can move from critiquing the situation to providing the solutions.

“The same message goes to all of the other participants. The public servants, business leaders and civil society partners. Use this platform to forge a way genuine forward,” Godongwana said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Electoral Commission is hosting a series of orientation workshops across all nine provinces to assist registered political parties and prospective independent candidates in using the Online Candidate Nomination System (OCNS) ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections in November.

Commencing on Tuesday, 7 July, in Limpopo, the Electoral Commission’s nationwide orientation workshops will equip registered political parties and prospective independent candidates with the practical knowledge to use the OCNS. 

“Participants will learn how to capture candidate and supporter information, pay election deposits electronically, and receive early feedback on the voter registration status of candidates and supporters before the official nomination period opens,” the Electoral Commission said in a statement. 

The Commission has invited members of the media to attend the Gauteng session, where the Commission will demonstrate the functionality of the OCNS and provide guidance on the candidate nomination process to avoid last-minute challenges. 

The OCNS, which became operational on 21 June 2026, enables registered political parties and prospective independent candidates to prepare in advance for the nomination process.

The system is an official platform managed by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) that enables political parties and independent candidates to capture and manage candidate lists, upload supporting documentation, and process payments for elections.

The system also provides reporting tools to monitor the progress of nominations, ensuring transparency and efficiency throughout the nomination process. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Government of South Africa, through the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration, has noted with deep sadness the passing of a Malawian national during the ongoing repatriation operation. 

In a statement on Tuesday, Government conveyed its condolences to the families and the Government and people of Malawi. 

“On behalf of Government and the people of South Africa, we convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, loved ones, fellow travellers and the Government and people of the Republic of Malawi during this difficult time,” Government said. 

Preliminary reports indicate that the deceased was among the passengers aboard a Malawi bound bus that had been loaded and departed the repatriation processing centre.  

Approximately 10 kilometers from the centre, the passenger tragically passed on, prompting the driver to turn the bus around and return to the processing centre. Upon the return of the bus to the centre, the South African Police Service (SAPS) was immediately called to the scene to conduct the requisite police procedures, including forensic examination, in line with standard protocols governing sudden and unexplained deaths. 

“Government wishes to reassure the family of the deceased, the Malawian authorities and the public that all necessary processes were undertaken with the utmost professionalism, dignity and respect for the deceased. Following the completion of the police and forensic work, the bus was formally released by SAPS and departed the scene at midnight, enabling the remaining passengers to continue their journey home,” Government said. 

Government said that the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident will be communicated to the Malawian authorities through the appropriate diplomatic channels. 

Government said it stands ready to provide any support required to assist the family of the deceased. 

“Once again, we extend our sincere sympathies to the family of the deceased and to the Government and people of Malawi,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, has appointed technology leader and digital transformation advocate, Lady Mariéme Jamme as the department’s Special Envoy for Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The appointment was announced during a recent AMC Davos 2026 gathering in Tianjin, China, by the Office of the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga.

According to the department, the appointment reflects South Africa’s commitment to ensuring that women, youth and persons with disabilities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy and to help shape the future of ethical, inclusive and human-centred artificial intelligence.

The department said the appointment aligns with its mandate to advance the socio-economic empowerment, inclusion and rights of women, youth and persons with disabilities, while supporting the country’s vision of a digitally inclusive society, where technological innovation drives opportunity, equality, economic participation and sustainable development.

It said the announcement comes as governments, business leaders and multilateral organisations intensify global engagement on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and the future of work.

“The appointment comes at a pivotal moment as governments, business leaders, investors and multilateral organisations accelerate global dialogue on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and the future of work,” the department said in a statement on Saturday.

In her honorary, strategic and non-executive role, Jamme will serve as South Africa’s global representative and adviser on technology diplomacy, responsible AI governance and digital inclusion.

Her responsibilities will include supporting South Africa’s engagement with governments, multilateral institutions, academia, investors and industry leaders, with a focus on technology diplomacy, workforce readiness, innovation ecosystems and strategic partnerships that advance the country’s development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The department said the appointment reflects South Africa’s commitment to ensuring that Africa’s expertise, priorities, and lived experiences are represented in shaping international AI policy, governance, and innovation.

“Her appointment reflects South Africa’s conviction that artificial intelligence must serve humanity and that its future cannot be shaped by only a handful of countries or institutions. It must also reflect the voices and aspirations of Africa, women, young people, persons with disabilities and communities that have historically been excluded from technological progress.”

Shaping the future of technology

Chikunga said the appointment demonstrates government’s commitment to ensuring that women, youth and persons with disabilities are at the forefront of the digital economy and are empowered to shape the future of technology.

“The appointment of Lady Mariéme Jamme as Special Envoy for Technology and Artificial Intelligence reflects our commitment to advancing ethical, inclusive and human-centred artificial intelligence while strengthening South Africa’s leadership in global technology diplomacy.

“Her extensive experience in digital transformation, innovation and skills development, together with her deep commitment to empowering communities across Africa and beyond, will help us build strategic partnerships that advance our national priorities, create opportunities for all, and ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age,” the Minister said.

Jamme said artificial intelligence is redefining power, productivity and possibility across the world. However, she warned that technology without ethics, inclusion and human dignity, risks widening inequality rather than reducing it.

She expressed her appreciation to the South African Government and Minister Chikunga for the confidence placed in her.

“This appointment is an opportunity to strengthen Africa’s contribution to global AI governance and to ensure that innovation expands opportunity, protects human dignity and creates lasting prosperity for women, young people and underserved communities. Together, we can help build an AI future that leaves no one behind,” Jamme said.

About Lady Mariéme Jamme

Lady Mariéme Jamme is an internationally recognised technology leader, AI strategist and advocate for inclusive digital transformation. Over more than two decades, she has advised governments, multilateral organisations, investors and private-sector leaders on technology policy, digital transformation and innovation across Africa and globally.

She is the Founder and CEO of iamtheCODE, an African-led global movement operating in nearly 90 countries that equips women and girls with coding, artificial intelligence, digital literacy and future-of-work skills, particularly in underserved and crisis-affected communities. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Department of Home Affairs says the temporary voluntary repatriation support operation at the Epping Refugee Reception Office in the Western Cape has been concluded and that the office resumed its normal operations on Monday.

This after the department successfully transferred foreign nationals, who requested voluntary repatriation from the Epping Refugee Reception Office in the Western Cape to the Musina Repatriation Centre in Limpopo over the weekend.

“Approximately 1 800 Zimbabwean nationals, including women and children, arrived at the Epping Refugee Reception Office on 21 June 2026. They were later joined by Malawian nationals who also requested voluntary repatriation,” the Department of Home Affairs said in a statement.

In total, 3 252 individuals were processed, comprising 3 155 Zimbabwean nationals and 97 Malawian nationals.

Following coordinated efforts by the Department of Home Affairs, the City of Cape Town, civil society and faith-based organisations to facilitate the transfer of those requesting voluntary repatriation, the temporary operation at the Epping Refugee Reception Office concluded. All humanitarian assistance at the site was concluded at 06h00 on Sunday, 5 July 2026.

“Foreign nationals seeking voluntary repatriation should no longer report to the Epping Refugee Reception Office. Requests for voluntary repatriation should now be directed to the relevant consulate for assistance,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Over 23 000 suspects were arrested for various offences nationwide, as the South African Police Service (SAPS) continued to carry out Operation Shanela.

In operations conducted between 29 June and 5 July, 23 011 suspects were nabbed.

Detectives further arrested 2 391 wanted suspects, linked to serious offences, including murder, attempted murder, rape, illegal possession of firearms, carjacking, possession of drugs, house and business robberies.

Among the arrests effected across the provinces include the arrest of 127 individuals for murder, 179 for rape and 143 suspects for attempted murder.

“As part of the intensified crackdown on illegal immigration and related criminal activities, the SAPS arrested 6 807 illegal migrants across multiple provinces for contravening the Immigration Act,” said the SAPS in a statement on Monday.

The police, working closely with other law enforcement agencies, remain on high alert to safeguard communities and property during ongoing anti-illegal immigration protests across the country. 

“While recognising the constitutional right of citizens to protest, participants are urged to conduct themselves within the ambit of the law. Citizens are also reminded to refrain from circulating unverified information on social media platforms.”

The SAPS further cautioned the public not to take the law into their own hands. 

“Any incidents of violence, incitement, intimidation, or damage to property must be reported immediately to law enforcement agencies or the nearest police station.”

In addition, police operations yielded significant results in specific crime categories:
•    282 suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs, including 79 in the Eastern Cape.
•    654 suspects were arrested for illegal dealing in liquor, with 241 in KwaZulu-Natal.
•    724 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

“The SAPS remains committed to intensifying its operations, ensuring law and order, and protecting the people of South Africa,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Four people were killed in a nine-vehicle collision on the  R555 near Middelburg, the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison said.

“It is alleged that an articulated truck travelling from Middelburg towards Emalahleni on the R555 seemingly lost control and collided with one of the vehicles. Several other vehicles then collided with each other and further crashed into steel that had fallen from the truck,” the provincial department said of Monday afternoon’s crash.

Five other people sustained serious injuries while three others suffered slight injuries.
The injured are receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals in Middelburg and Emalahleni.

“The crash involved nine vehicles, including an articulated truck, four light delivery vehicles (LDVs), one SUV and other motor vehicles.The investigation into the cause of the crash is underway,” the provincial department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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An independent investigation into the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) by the Public Service Commission (PSC), covering the period 2020 to 2025, has found serious weaknesses in spending controls, contract management and governance.

The findings have prompted a set of reforms aimed at stabilising the organisation and ensuring that SITA is fit for purpose in a modern digital state.

The report found that SITA was flagged for irregular expenditure by the Auditor-General across four audited years. It also found weak accountability for officials responsible for irregular spending, a high number of tenders abandoned or cancelled before completion, and long delays in awarding contracts, slowing down government projects and service delivery.

Speaking during a media briefing on Monday in Pretoria, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi said the delays were not merely internal administrative failures, but affected the ability of government departments to obtain the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) systems and services they need to serve the public.

“Departments including the South African Police Service, Home Affairs and Justice have, over time, sought exemptions to meet their operational needs outside SITA processes,” Malatsi said.

Among the most serious findings are:

• Over R2 billion in irregular expenditure was flagged by the Auditor-General across four audited years: R819.7 million in 2020/21, R285.5 million in 2021/22, R452 million in 2022/23 and R514.171 million in 2024/25. The investigation found insufficient evidence that consequence management was consistently applied in relation to these matters.
• The investigation also found that one in four tenders analysed did not result in an award. Of 1,443 concluded procurement matters reviewed, 278 were withdrawn, 52 were cancelled and 34 were closed with no recorded reason, representing an attrition rate of 25.2%.
• In addition, 529 procurement matters remained open in the pipeline, with the oldest matters sitting in adjudication and contracting for an average of more than 400 days. A total of 203 procurement matters took longer than a year from work order to final outcome.

The report further found that SITA did not have a reliable, integrated and automated central contract register for its own contracts. Contract expiry dates were tracked manually, and value for money could not always be demonstrated.

In recruitment and human resources processes, the investigation identified corruption exposure arising from broad discretion, weak controls, incomplete audit trails, retrospective approvals, weak vetting and instances where contract extensions bypassed competitive processes.

The report also raised serious concerns about Board records, including missing meeting packs, incomplete resolutions and records that were dependent on individual custodians.

As a result, SITA was often unable to demonstrate clearly how major decisions were taken, when they were taken and by whom.

The Minister said the report provided a clear diagnosis, practical reforms and firm deadlines.

“The Board and management now have a direct mandate to stabilise the organisation, restore basic controls, clear procurement blockages and rebuild trust through evidence, not promises,” Malatsi said.

To ensure that the report becomes a reform instrument rather than another unimplemented document, the Minister and the PSC agreed on immediate actions.

• First, the SITA Board must submit a Board-approved stabilisation and recovery plan to the Minister within 30 business days.
• Second, SITA must produce a verified procurement backlog baseline within 30 business days, benchmarked against the investigation data, so that progress can be measured transparently and cannot be overstated.
• Third, SITA must submit a governance reform plan within 60 business days, including measures to strengthen Board administration, records management, delegations, procurement controls, contract management and executive accountability.
• Fourth, SITA must provide quarterly governance-health reports to the Minister, including progress on procurement turnaround times, backlog reduction, contract-register integrity, implementation of audit findings and consequence-management matters.
• Fifth, SITA must establish a consolidated consequence-management framework. Every irregular expenditure item, disciplinary matter and prior investigation finding must be registered, allocated to an accountable owner, tracked, and closed only with evidence. Criminal or high-value matters must be escalated to the appropriate authorities without delay.
• Sixth, reforms may not be closed on management’s assurance alone. Their effectiveness must be independently validated and reported to the Minister.
• Finally, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is leading a formal review of SITA’s mandate and operating model, working with the Department of Public Service and Administration, National Treasury and the Presidency.

The review will consider whether legislative, policy or operational reforms are required to support the wider effort to make SITA fit for purpose.

According to the statement from the briefing, the Minister and the PSC emphasised that the report does not find that every transaction, appointment or decision at SITA was irregular.

Rather, it identifies systemic weaknesses that created an environment in which poor decisions, delays, weak accountability and corruption risks could take root. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Basic Education has reached 100% completion of all pit toilet eradication projects identified through the 2018 Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) Initiative audit.  

Speaking during a school sanitation visit at Dimbaza Primary School in the Eastern Cape on Monday, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube confirmed that all 3 372 schools identified in the 2018 audit have now been provided with safe and appropriate sanitation facilities. 

The achievement marks the completion of one of democratic South Africa’s most consequential school infrastructure programmes and honours the memory of children such as Michael Komape, Lumka Mkhethwa and Langalam Viki, whose deaths changed the national conversation on school sanitation forever. 

The completion of the SAFE Initiative has changed the daily reality of millions of learners and thousands of teachers. 

More than 3 million learners have benefited from safer sanitation facilities, while more than 48 000 teachers now work in healthier and more dignified environments. 

Ayama Willem, a learner from LF May Primary School, shared in a video how the new toilets have replaced the fear she once experienced using unsafe pit toilets where snakes were sometimes found, allowing her to focus on learning instead of worrying about her safety. 

At Dimbaza Primary School, teacher Anelise Fani described the previous sanitation facilities as frustrating and discouraging for educators, saying the new facilities have restored dignity to teachers who dedicate their lives to educating South Africa’s children. 

Minister Gwarube emphasised that the announcement confirms the successful completion of the backlog identified through the 2018 SAFE Initiative audit and does not suggest that every pit toilet in the country has disappeared. 

She noted that some schools may have developed sanitation challenges after the original 2018 audit, others may have been unintentionally omitted, while some communities have retained old pit toilet structures despite receiving new facilities. 

The Minister stressed that provincial education departments must now identify and address any remaining sanitation challenges with urgency.

While celebrating this significant national milestone, the Minister noted that South Africa continues to face a broader school infrastructure backlog exceeding R120 billion, with many schools still requiring classrooms, libraries, laboratories, fencing and other essential facilities. 

She also warned that natural disasters, vandalism and constrained provincial budgets are placing growing pressure on infrastructure delivery. 

The Minister emphasised that the completion of the SAFE Initiative must now be protected through proper maintenance, community ownership and provincial oversight, so that the facilities built through this programme remain safe, clean and functional. 

She further called on communities to protect school infrastructure, reminding South Africans that every classroom, sanitation facility and school preserved is an investment in the community’s future. 

“Today we celebrate a remarkable national achievement of eradicating 100% of the pit toilets identified in the SAFE Initiative Backlog. Tomorrow, we continue building, maintaining and modernising our schools until every learner, in every province, learns in an environment that reflects the value we place on their future.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

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KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers has commended the significant improvement in the number of municipalities adopting funded budgets for the 2026/27 financial year, describing it as an important step towards strengthening financial governance and ensuring sustainable service delivery across the province.

According to the KwaZulu-Natal Treasury, 43 of the 49 municipalities that had tabled and approved their 2026/27 budgets were assessed as having funded budgets in line with Section 18 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

The provincial Treasury noted that eNdumeni Local Municipality had not approved its budget at the time of the assessment.

The department said the latest assessment marks an improvement from the previous financial year, when 19 municipalities adopted unfunded budgets following their 2025/26 adjusted budgets. The number has since declined to six municipalities for the 2026/27 financial year.

The municipalities that adopted unfunded budgets are Mpofana, iMpendle, iNkosi Langalibalele, eMadlangeni, Ulundi Local Municipality, and uThukela District Municipality.

The KwaZulu-Natal Treasury said the status of eNdumeni Local Municipality’s budget remains undetermined, while the funding status of Amajuba District Municipality’s budget is still being assessed after the municipality informed Treasury that it adopted its budget on 29 June 2026.

The Treasury also noted that iNkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality re-tabled its 2026/27 budget on 25 June 2026, but the revised budget has not yet been reassessed.

While welcoming progress, Rodgers said the provincial government remains concerned about municipalities that continue to approve unfunded budgets, warning that the practice undermines financial stability and compromises the delivery of essential services to communities.

He reiterated that adopting unfunded budgets contravenes the MFMA and its associated regulations.

“We welcome the improvement in funded budgets, reflecting stronger compliance and financial discipline. However, unfunded budgets remain unlawful and undermine service delivery. The Government of Provincial Unity will continue to act against non-compliance while supporting municipalities to improve,” Rodgers said.

He reaffirmed KZN Treasury’s commitment to working with municipalities to strengthen financial management practices.

“Municipalities are encouraged to continue engaging with Treasury to ensure that their budgets are credible, funded, and aligned with the principles of sound fiscal governance.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

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