Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, September 12, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Government is currently implementing several collaborative initiatives to tackle youth unemployment, focusing on improving labour market functioning through skills training, work experience, entrepreneurship support, and wage subsidies.

This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who was responding to oral questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday. 

“The rate of unemployment in our country is indeed a concern to all of us,“ he said.

Mashatile explained that government is utilising labour-intensive programmes, such as the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), Public Employment Programmes, and the Community Work Programme (CWP), to provide temporary employment and income support, especially to unemployed youth in sectors like infrastructure, environment, and social services.

To this end, Cabinet approved Phase V of the EPWP in February 2024, aiming to create five million work opportunities between April 2024 and March 2029, with an estimated five-year budget of R178 billion.

“This programme intends to address youth unemployment by providing young people access to jobs in mass projects such as road maintenance, inclusive of pothole repairs, public infrastructure development, public space beautification, waste management, and social services.“

Meanwhile, through the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), chaired by Mashatile, government collaborates with social partners, including business, labour, and civil society, to develop and implement a collective response to youth unemployment.

Speaking as Chairperson of the HRDC at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg last month, the Deputy President cited Statistics South Africa figures, which revealed that more than 3.5 million young people aged between 15 and 24 are disconnected from both the labour market and the education system.

Research from the South African Labour Development Research Unit at the University of Cape Town also highlighted the heterogeneous nature of the unemployed youth. 

According to data, more than half of unemployed youth not in employment, education and training have been searching for work for over a year, underscoring the systemic barriers they face in securing a foothold in the labour market. 

In addition, through the National Skills Development Plan and the National Skills Fund, Deputy President Mashatile said government works with social partners, the private sector, and educational institutions to equip youth and marginalised groups with market-relevant skills to boost job creation initiatives.

Last month, South Africa launched the official Jet Skills Desk, National Jet Skills Advisory Forum, and Multi-Donor Initiative.  

These joint initiatives are designed to provide leadership and coordination for a demand-driven skills development agenda, empowering disadvantaged and marginalised groups to access employment and entrepreneurship in the green economy.

In addition, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with the Department of Defence, has conceptualised the South African National Defence Force-led National Youth Service Programme. 

The programme aims to empower women, youth, and persons with disabilities to become emerging industrialists in agriculture, energy security, aerospace, maritime, the digital economy, and defence sectors.

“As government, we are committed to moving from fragmented efforts to an integrated national programme that encompasses skills development, economic opportunity, workplace experience, entrepreneurship support, soft skills, and civic education to foster resilience and adaptability,” Mashatile added. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has handed over critical education resources to schools in the Zululand District, reinforcing the province’s commitment to improving learning outcomes and strengthening education infrastructure.

Ntuli, accompanied by Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka, visited uPhongolo Local Municipality on Thursday, 11 September 2025, where he officially opened new facilities and delivered resources aimed at addressing long-standing challenges in schools.

At Siqalukubona Secondary School, the Premier unveiled a new science laboratory worth R810 000, designed to improve the teaching of mathematics and science.

The facility will provide learners with practical skills and prepare them for tertiary studies and future careers in science, technology, and innovation.

Ntuli also handed over two mobile classrooms and a vehicle worth R1 million to Siphosethu Special School, a move set to ease overcrowding, improve accessibility, and support mobility needs for learners with special educational requirements.

These initiatives follow the launch of two state-of-the-art schools in Newcastle last month, underscoring the provincial government’s ongoing investment in education despite financial pressures.

In his address, Ntuli reaffirmed that the government’s focus remains on delivering quality and inclusive education that inspires new hope and ensures that no learner is left behind.

“Every investment we make in education is an investment in the future of KwaZulu-Natal. These facilities are about more than bricks and mortar — they are about restoring dignity, creating opportunity, and building a province where every child, regardless of background, has a fair chance to succeed,” Ntuli said.

Operation Sukuma Sakhe engagements

Meanwhile, as part of Operation Sukuma Sakhe under the District Development Model (DDM), the Premier has engaged with communities in the Ugu District Municipality.

The programme on Wednesday started with a community dialogue at KwaDweshula village, where residents shared pressing issues affecting them.

The dialogue provided an opportunity for citizens to raise concerns directly with provincial leadership, and to contribute to solutions for local challenges.

The Premier also visited community gardens, which play an important role in boosting food security, alleviating hunger, and improving household nutrition in the area, while empowering communities through sustainable agricultural practices.

In Umzumbe Local Municipality, Ntuli met with community safety structures to discuss crime prevention strategies and ways to strengthen partnerships between communities and law enforcement.

The day concluded with the main Operation Sukuma Sakhe event at Shibase Sports Field.

The event brought together government leaders, including community representatives, and stakeholders to strengthen cooperation on service delivery, safety, and local development.

Ntuli reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to working directly with communities to resolve challenges and improve livelihoods.

“Operation Sukuma Sakhe continues to serve as a vital platform for inclusive governance, ensuring that the people of KwaZulu-Natal are active participants in shaping the future of their province,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, has hailed long-acting injectables such as Lenacapavir as a game-changer poised to revolutionise HIV prevention, especially for adolescent girls, young women, and key populations.

South Africa has secured approximately R520 million from the Global Fund to combat AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, which will be used to procure the twice-yearly anti-HIV injection.

Phaahla stated that modelling studies and expert guidance show that investing in combination HIV prevention strategies is the most cost-effective and efficient approach to reducing new infections and connecting individuals to comprehensive care.

“We believe that HIV combination prevention interventions will ensure that we protect gains and successes made thus far in the HIV response. 

“Furthermore, prevention technologies such as long acting injectables, including Lenacapavir, expand options for individuals at risk.” 

He thanked the Global Fund and other partners for selecting South Africa as one of the early adopter countries for Lenacapavir implementation as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option.

Lenacapavir tablets and injections can be used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to help reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are HIV-negative.

The Deputy Minister was speaking at the 12th South African National AIDS Conference 2025.

The conference brought together leaders, researchers, implementing partners, academics and advocates from South Africa, the continent and other countries to address the evolving landscape of combating HIV and its management.

Phaahla said the conference took place during a period when the country is dealing with the realities of the United States’ funding withdrawals. 

“I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge your resilience and unwavering commitment to ensuring minimal service-delivery interruptions in relation to recipients of care.

“This became more than a conference, but a platform for renewing our collective commitments to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.” 

He emphasised the importance of technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies, in strengthening the HIV response by accelerating prevention and treatment services, improving surveillance, and enhancing programme management.

Phaahla is of the view that these technologies should be implemented with strong governance and privacy protections. 

“I need to be clear that utilisation of these technologies is never intended to replace the human element in healthcare, but to enhance our response.” 

Phaahla said TB and HIV co-infection remains the leading cause of death for people living with HIV. 

In February this year, the department launched the ‘Close the Gap’ campaign to find 1.1 million clients who disengaged from treatment. 

“I, therefore, call on all sectors involved in the campaign to ramp up our efforts to ensure clients are reengaged, start and stay on treatment.”

Government, he said, has also expanded TB preventive therapy, rolled out new rapid molecular diagnostics, and strengthened integrated service delivery to ensure no one is lost between TB and HIV programmes. 

“We, therefore, need to intensify our End TB campaign launched in March 2025 by ensuring that the five million tests are done for the TB missing clients.” 

He called delegates to unite in purpose and empower every person with tools, dignity, and opportunity. 

“Let us redefine health, not as a set of vertical programmes, but as a shared journey toward wellness, inclusion, and justice. 

“The future is not distant. We are building it now, for mothers, fathers, children, and generations to come. 

“Together, we will end AIDS, eliminate its co-travellers, and write a new chapter of health equity in South Africa.” – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, September 12, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, September 12, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has reminded entrepreneurs and small business owners that the application period for the Business Infrastructure Support Programme (BISP) is still open. 

The BISP aims to enhance the growth and sustainability of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by providing critical infrastructure, equipment, technology, and energy solutions, especially in underserved areas. 

The programme supports the construction of MSME hubs, provision of equipment, tools, machinery, and renewable energy, and offers business development services to improve efficiency and competitiveness.

With the call for applications launched on 1 September 2025, eligible Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and cooperatives are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.

The BISP is a critical initiative by the DSBD to support the growth and development of MSMEs in South Africa. By providing infrastructure, equipment, and business development services, the programme aims to create an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive.

A call for applications/ proposals was issued via the DSBD website and other relevant platforms to maximise participation.

“The application process for the programme consists of two separate application forms one specifically for built infrastructure projects and another for equipment, tools, machinery, technology, and energy support interventions. Applicants are required to submit their completed applications and any related enquiries through a dedicated email address.

“To ensure a complete submission, applicants must include all necessary supporting documentation, such as Property Commission (CIPC) registration, tax compliance certificates, recent bank statements, financial projections, and relevant quotations,” the department said on Friday.

This process is designed to streamline the assessment and ensure that all proposals meet the programme’s eligibility and compliance requirements.

How to Apply:

• Interested applicants can access the application portal and programme guidelines on: https://vcmasa.dsbd.gov.za/exportprogramme/. For more information, please contact [BISP@dsbd.gov.za].
• Application Deadline: 19 September 2025. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Since its inception in 2020, as an endeavour to address the country’s youth unemployment challenge, the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) has exceeded its target of reaching 5 million young people and has provided 1.5 million earning opportunities.

Briefing the media on PYEI results for the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, in Johannesburg, on Thursday, Deputy Minister in The Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli highlighted that more than 234 000 opportunities were accessed by young people through the National Pathway Management Network (NPMN), between April and June 2025.

“These results reflect the collective efforts of government, private sector, and civil society partners to link young people to meaningful pathways into the labour market. A major highlight of the quarter was the launch of Phase 4 of the Revitalised National Youth Service (NYS), which will provide 40 000 paid service opportunities to young people across the country,” the Deputy Minister said.

Implemented by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) under the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, the NYS promotes active citizenship by engaging young people in structured service opportunities that contribute to their communities while building their skills, work readiness, and sense of agency.

Since its revitalisation, the NYS has placed more than 84 000 young people in paid service roles, contributing both to community development and individual growth.

The PYEI is an intervention aimed at addressing youth unemployment through innovative partnerships and programmes such as Jobs Boost and skills development initiatives.

With a R300 million innovative funding mechanism designed to tackle youth unemployment in South Africa, the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund is South Africa’s largest formal sector employment outcomes fund.

The fund uses a pay-for-performance model to partner with skills providers to equip previously excluded young people to access high-quality jobs.

The Deputy Minister highlighted that by the end of June 2025, over 8 100 young people had been enrolled, with 5 436 placed into quality jobs, and more than R115 million disbursed to 12 implementation partners for verified outcomes. 

“The programme is already exceeding expectations in job retention rates, with thousands of young people sustaining employment beyond three and six months,” the Deputy Minister said.

She noted that Jobs Boost achieved a milestone this quarter, when it was selected as one of ten global recipients of the Outcomes Finance Alliance’s Outcomes Accelerator, from over 500 applications. 

The prestigious award recognises Jobs Boost as a pioneering example of outcomes-based financing, demonstrating how public-private collaboration can drive measurable impact in youth employment.

“The grant provides funding and technical support to scale the initiative beyond its pilot phase—enabling the programme to reach thousands more excluded young people and deepen its work in linking funding directly to quality, sustained jobs. As we scale Jobs Boost, this support will help us reach thousands more excluded young people with life1] changing employment opportunities,” Mhlauli said. 

Looking ahead, the Deputy Minister said the PYEI remains committed to unlocking opportunities in priority growth sectors, strengthening the systems that connect young people to work, and scaling innovative interventions that deliver measurable, lasting impact. – SAnews.gov.za