Category: South Africa Government

By Niko Allie 
For many South Africans, the Kruger National Park (KNP), affectionally known as Kruger to many, has been our window into the wild.  Every visit to this iconic national treasure is an opportunity to interact with nature and possibly view the Big 5.

On 31 May 2026, the Kruger National Park reaches a historic milestone, marking 100 years of conservation excellence and wildlife protection since its establishment in 1926.

Today the Kruger attracts nearly two million visitors annually and has retained its standing as a top African safari destination. It has become a must visit destination for locals and visitors alike.
    
Most visitors are South African residents who account for about 80% of visits.  However, there has been a steady growth in travellers from neighbouring Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, who mostly come as day visitors.

Of course, in a country such as ours, a destination like the Kruger National Park does not exist in isolation. Over the years, the Kruger has balanced its conservation mandate and our nation’s societal challenges. The park has become a major economic driver, contributing millions to the economy and supporting extensive local employment. Tourism revenue stands at over R800 million, and accommodation revenue continues to perform strongly.  

The centenary of this South African landmark is an opportunity for all of us to relive the wonder and splendour of nature. It is a reminder that humans can co-exist with animals and nature, and that our very survival as a species is linked to that of our planet and its fragile ecosystems.

The Kruger is home to 147 mammal species; including all of the iconic Big Five, and boasts more than 500 bird species, and a variety of reptiles, amphibians and plants. It is an integral part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which encompasses wildlife areas in Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

The KNP is a story of hope, it is an enduring part of the South African narrative, and like any good story there are many twists and turns. The Kruger is a living monument of the fragile balance between humans and nature.  

Severe weather which has become a constant in many provinces in South Africa is now part of the story of Kruger. Climate change is shifting rainfall patterns and drying waterholes, putting pressure on the park and its inhabitants.  

The story of Kruger is also about the communities adjacent to the park and their rightful quest for greater economic inclusion and cultural recognition. Therefore, a vital part of the centenary is to connect staff, surrounding communities, and visitors in honouring the park’s rich history while looking forward to the next century of biodiversity conservation.

It is also true that ensuring a sustainable future for the park and adjacent communities will require renewed thinking on how to ensure greater investment in community-led tourism, along with anti-poaching operations.  

Often hailed as the jewel in our majestic wildlife offerings, the Kruger must continue to be a sanctuary that is open and welcoming to all. Every person who visits must leave with memories for a lifetime, a deep desire to protect our natural landscape and return to visit it time and time again.    

The centenary celebration stands as a magnificent part of South Africa’s story. It is a profound reminder that even in an ever-changing world, there is room for nature and humans to both co-exist and thrive.  

*Allie is the Deputy Director at the Government Communication and Information System.

 

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South Africa has called for renewed global cooperation to advance dignity, equality and sustainable development, as world leaders gather to address the challenges of a rapidly changing global landscape.

Delivering the country’s statement at the 59th session of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development (CPD59) in New York, Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike, stressed the importance of collective global action in addressing the complex intersection of population dynamics, technology and development.

“We are working together and convening at this important session guided by the Programme of Action and the Living Global Compact, which continues to steer our shared pursuit of dignity, equality and sustainable development,” Letsike said on Monday.

Held under the theme: “Population, Technology and Research in the Context of Sustainable Development”, the session provides a platform for countries to share national experiences and policy approaches.

Letsike highlighted that demographic shifts, inequality and rapid technological transformation are reshaping development pathways globally and within South Africa. 

She noted that these challenges are deeply rooted in lived realities shaped by the enduring legacies of apartheid, patriarchy and economic exclusion.

South Africa, she said, is characterised by a youthful population, with a median age of 28, and a growing ageing demographic, underscoring the need for inclusive, life-cycle-based development strategies.

“This reminds us that development cannot be fragmented — it must be approached across the full life cycle, anchored in human dignity,” she said.

The Deputy Minister outlined South Africa’s response as deliberate and inclusive, grounded in intersectional justice, reflecting the country’s constitutional commitment to substantive equality. This includes addressing inequalities linked to race, class, gender, culture, disability, geography and sexuality.

She emphasised that population issues are closely tied to broader questions of governance, knowledge creation and access to technology, and the risk of exclusion in an increasingly digital world.

“Our response as government is focused on investing in human capability and capital, while ensuring that no one is left behind,” Letsike said, highlighting initiatives to increase women’s participation in science, technology, innovation and research.

South Africa is also using technology to improve service delivery, strengthen governance and expand access to essential services.

Letsike pointed to legislative frameworks, such as data protection and cybercrime laws aimed at safeguarding users, particularly vulnerable groups in an increasingly digital world.

The Deputy Minister warned of the growing risks posed by harmful online trends, calling for coordinated, human rights-based responses to protect users while advancing development.

She reaffirmed that sexual and reproductive health and rights remain central to the country’s population agenda, which she described as “non-negotiable.”

“We recognise bodily autonomy, access to information and reproductive justice as fundamental to development,” she said.

South Africa continues to share its development experiences both domestically and across the African continent, while contributing to global development efforts under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

In closing, Letsike called for renewed investment in research, data and innovation, universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, urgent efforts to bridge digital divides, and ethical governance of technology to protect human rights.

“We remain committed to working with all partners in the spirit of solidarity, equality and sustainability to ensure that technology serves humanity, and that no one, no community, is left behind,” she said.

The week-long CPD59 is led by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which is co-hosting a series of high-impact signature side events focused on how innovative technology and data-driven research are revolutionising approaches to population dynamics.

Expected outcomes of the session include the adoption of key resolutions, determining the theme for CPD61, and finalising the CPD60 agenda. – SAnews.gov.za

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By William Baloyi 
When a new factory opens its doors, its impact reaches far beyond the production line. It acts as a spark for an economic chain reaction that breathes life into the surrounding community. What starts as a single investment quickly creates a wave of opportunities, enabling households to meet their basic needs and aspire to a better future.

As wages flow into the community, this new income is spent at local spaza shops, paid to taxi operators, and reinvested in small businesses, the backbone of many neighbourhoods. Local retailers, seeing a surge in demand, often hire more staff and expand their offerings to serve growing needs.

These ripple effects extend even further. Suppliers increase production, logistics companies move more goods, and the momentum builds. When multiplied across towns, cities, and provinces, such investments weave together into a powerful national story of growth, job creation, and social development.

Every new investment whether a manufacturing plant, a digital hub, or a transport corridor adds a vital spark to our economy. This vision lies at the heart of government’s investment drive and took centre stage at the successful conclusion of the sixth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) in Johannesburg last month.

The event marked a significant milestone, bringing together more than 1000 delegates from over 50 countries to engage directly with South Africa’s investment opportunities. The strong turnout from both domestic and international investors served as a decisive vote of confidence in the country’s potential, reaffirming South Africa’s appeal as a compelling destination for business and investment.

At the core of this momentum was the announcement of nearly R900 billion in new investment commitments. These span 81 projects across all nine provinces and represent a transformative step forward in further uplifting our economy. Of this amount, R415 billion is confirmed fixed investment, with a further R474.8 billion allocated towards direct fixed investment.

Sourced from 22 global markets, these commitments are projected to create more than 230,000 permanent jobs. Each job supports families, boosts local consumption, and strengthens the broader economic ecosystem. In this way, investment becomes far more than a financial transaction, it serves as a catalyst for inclusive growth and meaningful social progress.

The expansion of factories, manufacturing capacity, and service industries is essential to sustaining our nation’s employment cycles. Since 2018, when President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the country’s investment drive, approximately R1.56 trillion in investment commitments have been mobilised, exceeding the original target by 26%.

Since the SAIC began, a total of 317 investment pledges have been made. Over R628 billion has already flowed into the economy, 137 projects valued at R400 billion have been completed and 84 projects worth R417 billion are currently under construction.

These investments have undoubtedly bolstered resilience in our labour market. Throughout 2025, the country saw a steady recovery in formal employment and a notable rise in worker earnings. By the fourth quarter, a net gain of 18,000 jobs was recorded, a clear sign that the foundations for long-term growth are being rebuilt.

The positive sentiment has extended to our equity market, with South Africa, according to the latest Bank of America Global Research Equity Strategist report, emerging as the premier investment destination within the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa. The country outpaced Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Poland, Türkiye, Hungary, Greece and Qatar to the top spot. The Bank of America attributes our market leadership to a sustained strengthening in dividend yields and highly supportive valuations relative to historical benchmarks.

The outcomes of the sixth SAIC signal more than immediate gains, they mark the formal start of South Africa’s second investment cycle. With an ambitious target of R2 trillion in new pledges over the next five years, the nation is entering a new phase of economic dynamism, driven by greater policy certainty and aggressive structural reforms.

The conference also highlighted South Africa’s competitive advantage in high-growth sectors, including manufacturing, mining beneficiation, digital infrastructure, agriculture, and green industrialisation. These are the industries with the greatest potential to drive sustainable development and job creation. As these investments take root, they will advance key national priorities: creating jobs, reducing poverty, and addressing inequality.

Beyond the numbers, lies a profound social impact. This economic growth enables the state to reinvest in schools, roads, and hospitals, the very foundations that support further progress. Young people gain clear pathways into the economy, communities become more stable, and a sense of shared progress begins to take hold.

South Africa’s investment drive offers a blueprint for strong economic renewal. When investment flows, opportunity follows, and when opportunity grows, so too does the nation. In turn potential at every level of society is unlocked, restoring dignity, strengthening families, and building confidence in a brighter future for all.

*Baloyi is the Deputy Government Spokesperson at the Government Communication and Information System.

 

 

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The Office of the Deputy President has welcomed the Public Protector’s findings that cleared Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Transport Minister Barbara Creecy of any alleged wrongdoing regarding the appointment of outgoing South African Airways (SAA) CEO, Professor John Lamola. 

According to the Public Protector, an investigation found no evidence that Deputy President Mashatile and Minister Creecy improperly interfered in the recruitment process or breached the Executive Ethics Code. 

“This ruling confirms and reiterates the Deputy President’s assertion that the media reports regarding the matter were misguided, misleading and mischievous to suggest that Deputy President Mashatile and Minister Creecy held ‘private interviews’ outside of the formal selection process for the position of SAA CEO.

“The Office of the Deputy President remains committed and supports any internal recruitment and appointment processes of qualified candidates for any positions in the SEOs,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has resolved to advise President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint three judges to the Supreme Court of Appeal.

This after the commission conducted interviews for the positions on Monday.

The three candidates are: Judge Thandi Victoria Norman, Judge Bashier Vally and Judge Leonie Windell.

Today, the JSC will continue with interviews for candidates to fill vacancies for the Judge President position in the Gauteng Division of the High Court, two vacancies at the Competition Appeal Court and one vacancy at the Land Court.

The interviews can be watched live on the Judiciary’s YouTube page at: https://www.youtube.com/live/ENDLobWDE3s. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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South Africa and Germany have agreed to upgrade their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, marking a major outcome of the 12th German-South African Bi-National Commission (BNC) meeting held in Berlin, Germany, on Monday. 

In a joint press statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the two countries said the move will intensify high-level dialogue on strategic issues, including peace and security, multilateral cooperation and democratic resilience. 

“Germany and South Africa will upgrade their relations to a Strategic Partnership to intensify their dialogue on strategic issues at the senior official level, including through consultation formats covering multilateral issues, conflict mediation, peace and security in Europe and Africa, regional cooperation, democratic resilience, cyber foreign policy and navy staff talks,” the statement read. 

The meeting, co-chaired by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola and his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, also resulted in the signing of a Joint Action Plan consolidating outcomes across multiple sectors.

The two nations underscored the importance of stable partnerships between democratic middle powers amid global uncertainty. 

“In the Joint Action Plan, the Foreign Ministers underscore that stable partnerships between middle power and democratic nations are essential in the current volatile international environment, in particular,” the joint statement said. 

They further highlighted that cooperation between the countries is grounded in shared values, including a commitment to a rules-based international order guided by the United Nations Charter and international law, as well as the promotion of human rights.

“South African-German cooperation is founded on a shared commitment to the principles of a rules-based international order based on the Charter of the United Nations and international law, including the promotion and protection of human rights. 

“The Foreign Ministers emphasised their shared belief that representative democracy is the most effective form of government when it comes to ensuring citizens’ freedom, security and prosperity,” the statement said.

The BNC meeting also delivered significant economic and development outcomes, including Germany’s pledge of a new €200 million concessional loan under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and technical cooperation to accelerate grid and renewables investments, backing South Africa’s continued pursuit of more ambitious climate targets.

In addition, the countries agreed to expand cooperation on green hydrogen and battery value chains, backed by more than €270 million in German and EU funding, and to strengthen collaboration on critical raw materials through new initiatives aimed at supporting mineral beneficiation.

Progress was also recorded in health, with enhanced cooperation on vaccine production to strengthen regional health security and foster innovation in the pharmaceutical sector.  

On trade and investment, the two countries committed to intensifying cooperation, also to implement the EU-South Africa Clean Trade and Investment Partnership notably by addressing non-tariff barriers and regulatory issues and improving framework conditions for investors, for example in energy and transport infrastructure, through quarterly consultations between the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).

The meeting further reinforced collaboration in education, skills development and youth employment, with expanded vocational training initiatives and academic cooperation.

Environmental protection and climate action also featured prominently, with both countries agreeing to strengthen cooperation on biodiversity, ocean protection, circular economy practices and combating environmental crimes.

The BNC, established in 1996 by former President Nelson Mandela and former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, remains the primary mechanism guiding bilateral relations between the two countries. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, says over the next two days, investors, public institutions, business leaders, and other economic role players will gather in the province to deliberate on how they can deepen investment, expand opportunity and create jobs for people

“We look forward to … presenting the Northern Cape as a province of real potential and real partnerships,” Saul said.

Speaking at the launch of the National Economic Fund (NEF) and InvestSA’s One Stop Shop in Kimberley on Monday, Saul said the One Stop Shop forms part of South Africa’s efforts to reduce regulatory red tape and improve the “ease of doing business” for domestic and foreign investors. 

Its customer interface serves as the primary gateway through which investors and stakeholders engage with South Africa’s investment facilitation ecosystem.

It is designed to ensure broad, accessible and responsive engagement through multiple channels, including South African foreign missions, foreign missions based in South Africa, business chambers, the InvestSA website, social media platforms, direct marketing emails, newsletters, surveys, and targeted domestic and international investment events.

As in other provinces, the One Stop Shop facility in the Northern Cape is a collaboration between the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), Northern Cape’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the Provincial Investment Promotion Agency, other national, provincial and local government departments and agencies, traditional leaders and business associations.

“[It] demonstrates, in practical terms, the kind of economy we are trying to build and the kind of state support required to make that possible,” said the Premier.

Saul said no province can seriously confront the persistent triple challenges of unemployment poverty and inequality without expanding its economic base. 

“That is why we committed ourselves to the vision of building a modern, growing and successful province.  At the centre of that vision is a clear task to grow the Northern Cape economy in a way that creates jobs, broadens economic participation, and strengthens local enterprise.”

He said the province would showcase enterprises that are already contributing to productive activity. These projects are active in infrastructure and construction, manufacturing and industrial supply, hospitality and tourism, student accommodation, agro-processing, the township economy activity, and environmental and wildlife services.

“In many communities, small businesses are the first point of economic activity. They create jobs close to where people live, circulate income locally and open space for new entrants into the economy. These are the businesses that give practical meaning to transformation because they place ownership, initiative and opportunity in more hands,” he said.

The partnership between the National Empowerment Fund and the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism combines national and provincial efforts in a way that gives practical support to enterprises with potential. 

“Creating a single point of entry for investor support and regulatory facilitation makes the province more efficient, responsive, and investor-friendly. In simple terms, it says to businesspeople and investors that the government must not become part of the problem – government must become part of the solution,” the Premier said.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Economic Fund (NEF) Mziwabantu Dayimani said: “We are supporting entrepreneurs – even those who were neglected by the banks – through these partnerships. We want the people of the Northern Cape to take up the opportunities presented to them,” he said.

The Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau will address the conference on Tuesday on “Industrialisation and the future of the South African economy”. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, says over the next two days, investors, public institutions, business leaders, and other economic role players will gather in the province to deliberate on how they can deepen investment, expand opportunity and create jobs for people

“We look forward to … presenting the Northern Cape as a province of real potential and real partnerships,” Saul said.

Speaking at the launch of the National Economic Fund (NEF) and InvestSA’s One Stop Shop in Kimberley on Monday, Saul said the One Stop Shop forms part of South Africa’s efforts to reduce regulatory red tape and improve the “ease of doing business” for domestic and foreign investors. 

Its customer interface serves as the primary gateway through which investors and stakeholders engage with South Africa’s investment facilitation ecosystem.

It is designed to ensure broad, accessible and responsive engagement through multiple channels, including South African foreign missions, foreign missions based in South Africa, business chambers, the InvestSA website, social media platforms, direct marketing emails, newsletters, surveys, and targeted domestic and international investment events.

As in other provinces, the One Stop Shop facility in the Northern Cape is a collaboration between the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), Northern Cape’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the Provincial Investment Promotion Agency, other national, provincial and local government departments and agencies, traditional leaders and business associations.

“[It] demonstrates, in practical terms, the kind of economy we are trying to build and the kind of state support required to make that possible,” said the Premier.

Saul said no province can seriously confront the persistent triple challenges of unemployment poverty and inequality without expanding its economic base. 

“That is why we committed ourselves to the vision of building a modern, growing and successful province.  At the centre of that vision is a clear task to grow the Northern Cape economy in a way that creates jobs, broadens economic participation, and strengthens local enterprise.”

He said the province would showcase enterprises that are already contributing to productive activity. These projects are active in infrastructure and construction, manufacturing and industrial supply, hospitality and tourism, student accommodation, agro-processing, the township economy activity, and environmental and wildlife services.

“In many communities, small businesses are the first point of economic activity. They create jobs close to where people live, circulate income locally and open space for new entrants into the economy. These are the businesses that give practical meaning to transformation because they place ownership, initiative and opportunity in more hands,” he said.

The partnership between the National Empowerment Fund and the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism combines national and provincial efforts in a way that gives practical support to enterprises with potential. 

“Creating a single point of entry for investor support and regulatory facilitation makes the province more efficient, responsive, and investor-friendly. In simple terms, it says to businesspeople and investors that the government must not become part of the problem – government must become part of the solution,” the Premier said.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Economic Fund (NEF) Mziwabantu Dayimani said: “We are supporting entrepreneurs – even those who were neglected by the banks – through these partnerships. We want the people of the Northern Cape to take up the opportunities presented to them,” he said.

The Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau will address the conference on Tuesday on “Industrialisation and the future of the South African economy”. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Dora Nginza Hospital and the Motherwell Community Health Centre (CHC) in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, are back to full working capacity following unprotected strike action at the two facilities. 

This, according to Eastern Cape Department of Health Head of Department (HOD) Dr Rolene Wagner, who briefed the media on Monday afternoon.

“Staff have returned to work and services have been restored. The second reason to engage with the media was just to apologise to the community that was affected by the disruption, both at Motherwell CHC as well as Dora Nginza Hospital.

“We want to appreciate that you’ve given us room as an administration to deal with the disruptions. We also want to appreciate everyone who stepped up and stepped forward to work with us as we had to divert patients and manage the services within the wider Nelson Mandela Bay as well as the Sarah Baartman District,” she said. 

According to Wagner, the striking workers at Motherwell raised issues related to safety following criminal incidents at the facility.

“This was because we had…six break-ins at the Motherwell CHC. We do want to note that those break-ins when computers were stolen…there were no signs of forced entry. The department opened a case and we are putting together a panel to do an investigation into why and how the computers disappeared.

“Immediately, the management met with the staff, understood the concerns and we started implementing a series of security interventions. That included clearing the trees, putting up floodlights [and] CCTV cameras. The access gates were also repaired…and guards patrolled the perimeter,” she said.

Security interventions were further stepped up following another attempted break-in at the facility, while trauma debriefing was also arranged for the workers.

Wagner said that at Dora Nginza, the department will be engaging the workers and details will not be furnished at the moment.

According to the HOD, the facility was particularly affected by the strike as some non-striking workers were taken out of wards and some union members were interfering with operations.

“What we can say is that there was unprotected action. It is said that it is in relation to additional overtime…and it was also related to Motherwell CHC, now putting pressure on Dora to try and absorb the patients from casualty and maternity.

“We called on SAPS…and opened a case with the individuals that were interfering with the operations,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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