Category: South Africa Government

Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, has called on out-of-school youth and adults, especially those in rural and marginalised communities, to enrol at Community Education and Training (CET) colleges to improve literacy and education skills.

Gondwe made the call during the launch of the National Adult Literacy for Empowerment Campaign 2026–2030 at Lovedale TVET College in King William’s Town in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday.

The campaign, themed “Empowering Communities through Literacy for Inclusive Development”, is led by the Department of Higher Education and Training in partnership with the Mining Qualifications Authority, W&R SETA, Services SETA, Old Mutual, the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, and other strategic partners.

The initiative aims to address the challenge of approximately 3.8 million functionally illiterate adults in South Africa by empowering one million adult learners by 2030. 

The programme will focus particularly on rural, mining and marginalised communities in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and North West provinces.

The campaign will implement a literacy programme that includes basic literacy and numeracy in local languages, digital literacy, financial literacy, civic education and life skills, entrepreneurship literacy, and workplace literacy.

Gondwe said CET colleges are central to the success of the national campaign against illiteracy.

“CET colleges have long been overlooked, despite their potential as centres for lifelong learning and skills development. Many face challenges and continue to operate under difficult conditions. I believe a whole-of-society approach is needed to support these important community learning institutions,” said Gondwe.

The campaign is expected to reach nearly 8 000 learners across the four priority provinces during its 2026 pilot phase. – SAnews.gov.za

 

0

Getting education right is the cornerstone of building a stronger country and a thriving economy, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has said.

Lesufi was speaking at the media launch of the Golden Jubilee commemoration of the 1976 youth uprising, held in Soweto, under the theme: “RESET@50 – The Future Calls”, with the slogan: “Our national commitment to the future, for freedom lives in every generation.”

In his address on Thursday, the Premier stressed that South Africa’s future depends on the quality, inclusivity, and relevance of its schooling system.

He argued that meaningful reform in education is already underway, with government taking bold steps to transform both teaching and learning in real time.

“We took a conscious decision to train teachers while they are still teaching in the classroom, and to change the curriculum while learning continues. Today, we have a curriculum that is accessible to everyone.”

Lesufi described the introduction of a revised curriculum as one of the most significant milestones in recent history, highlighting its focus on inclusivity and historical truth. He said the curriculum must reflect the country’s collective past and honour figures such as Nelson Mandela, while also recognising the broader struggles that shaped the nation.

“The history of South Africa is not a history of one group of people. All South Africans must participate in shaping that history.”

The Premier also emphasised the importance of unity within the education system, calling for an end to inequalities between schools and communities. He also stressed that all children, regardless of background, should learn together under the same standards and conditions.

“There must be no society where some children are privileged to be taught differently because of their circumstances. All teachers are trained from the same foundation, and all must serve every child equally.”

READ | Government to launch 50th anniversary of 1976 youth uprisings

He further called for full implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act across all schools, alongside urgent improvements in infrastructure and access to resources. This includes ensuring connectivity, access to books, and integrating technology and innovation into classrooms.

“Our schools must evolve. Children must engage with books in ways that inspire them, but they must also be equipped with the technological tools that define the future,” he said.

Reflecting on the legacy of Youth Day (16 June), which commemorates the 1976 student uprisings, Lesufi said the anniversary should serve as a reminder of both progress made and challenges that remain.

While also acknowledging that the country still has a long road ahead, the Premier said citizens must be inspired by the vison of one South Africa that belongs to all, especially children.

He also raised concern about social challenges affecting young people, particularly the spread of drugs while also calling for a united effort from communities and law enforcement to combat the scourge, which threatens the future of the country’s youth.

“We cannot allow drugs to destroy our children. We must stand together and fight this scourge.”

Despite the challenges, the Premier expressed optimism about Gauteng’s role in driving youth development and economic growth. He said the province is committed to creating opportunities and ensuring that young people are equipped to succeed.

“This province is ready to prepare young people, to create opportunities, prosper, and our people will prosper with it.” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

0

The Free State Department of Health has won the Africa Tech: Public Sector Digital Innovator Award at the Africa Tech Week Awards 2026, held in Cape Town.

The award recognises public sector institutions that have successfully deployed and adopted digital solutions that improve service delivery and citizen experience.

According to the department, the accolade was awarded for the department’s deployment of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) for Primary Health Care – a digital health solution providing that is “strengthening patient care, continuity of care, accountability, and operational efficiency across the province”.

“This award affirms the Free State Department of Health’s growing leadership in digital health innovation and its commitment to improving healthcare services for communities across the province.

“The Department will continue to scale and optimise the EMR to ensure continuity of care, better referral management, improved medication and records management, and strengthened accountability through timely, reliable data,” the department said.

Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi said the accolade is a clear signal that the province is “serious about taking health to a higher trajectory of performance outcomes”.

“By digitising primary healthcare, we are making care safer, faster and more accountable for every patient. We will intensify the rollout, strengthen data-driven decision-making, and ensure that digital innovation translates into real improvements at the point of care. Congratulations to our teams and partners for this continental recognition,” Mahlatsi said.

Head of Department Ernest Mohlahlo echoed those sentiments and ascribed the recognition to the team of health professionals working within the department.

“This recognition belongs to the clinicians, nurses, managers, ICT professionals, and support teams who turned vision into daily practice. The EMR is already reducing duplication, improving continuity across levels of care, and enhancing operational efficiency.

“Our next phase will deepen training, change management, connectivity, cybersecurity, and interoperability so that measurable improvements in access, quality, and patient experience are felt in every facility. We are committed to disciplined execution and transparent performance monitoring,” Mohlahlo said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

0

The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) has been allocated a budget of almost R3.4 billion for the 2026/27 financial year to operationalise administration, Superior Court Services, as well as Judicial Education and Support.

The budget was tabled by Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ&CD) Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, in Parliament, on Wednesday afternoon.

“This allocation also includes approximately R1.4 billion from the Direct Charges allocation for the remuneration of judges.

“The OCJ will further leverage a once-off allocation for the 2026/27 Financial Year from the Criminal Assets Recovery Account [CARA] to the amount of R127 million as an additional funding mechanism to strengthen safety, security and proper court administration.

“This funding will complement existing resources to enhance operational capacity and support the continued modernisation and efficient functioning of the courts,” Kubayi said.

Additionally, the OCJ has received further support to strengthen the capacity of the courts.

“In this regard, R883.8 million is being transferred from the [department] to the OCJ over the medium term to allow the Judiciary greater control over its own administrative and financial functions.

“In addition, R687 million has been allocated to increase judicial capacity, aimed at improving court operations, administrative support and the efficiency of the court system,” the Minister said.

The Minister emphasised that the budget allocation “is not merely an administrative provision, but a strategic investment in judicial governance, the effective functioning of the Superior Courts, and the advancement of an independent and capable system of court administration”.

Judicial independence

According to the Minister, a “significant milestone” was reached on 1 April 2026 when Phase 1 of the transition to institutional independence took effect with the transfer of retained and shared services relating to the Superior Courts from the department to the OCJ.

“The services transferred to the OCJ with effect from that date include Security Services, comprising guarding services in the Superior Courts, close protection services to Judges facing threats to their lives, repairs and maintenance of security infrastructure in courts, cash-in-transit services, and reimbursement of Judges for security measures installed at their private residences.

“The transfer also included Facilities Management Services, such as day-to-day maintenance, planned maintenance, minor capital works, lease management, municipal services, and user changes on state-owned facilities.

“In addition, Library Services, including access to Juta, LexisNexis and Sabinet online publications, were transferred, together with Information and Communication Technology services relating to Court Recording Technology [CRT] and the Sexual Offences System [SOS], as well as Transcription Services,” Kubayi told Parliament.

The Minister said the transition will “further inform and be incorporated into the broader organisational structure review process”.

“The transferred shared services have been provided to the OCJ within the framework of a Service Level Agreement [SLA] and a Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] concluded between the two organisations.

“Phase 2 will focus on the promulgation of enabling legislation to establish the Judiciary as a co-equal branch of government alongside the Executive and the Legislature, and this process is expected to be completed during the 2026/27 Financial Year,” she added.

Modernising the courts

Kubayi announced that the Court Online system has been rolled out to 21 Superior Courts.

The remaining three courts namely: Thohoyandou High Court, the Constitutional Court, and the Supreme Court of Appeal – are to be completed in the new financial year.

“To further strengthen this initiative, the OCJ is advancing the development of the Criminal Module, while ensuring that court systems are securely rolled out and sustainably maintained across jurisdictions.

“The focus now is on deepening implementation, improving system utilisation, strengthening user support, and embedding Court Online as a core enabler of efficient, transparent and modern court processes,” she said.

Once-off funding allocated from the CARA will also “refresh court recording technology and support the further installation of the Scheduling and Operations Support (SOS) in identified courts”.

“This is aligned to the CARA mandate of supporting victims, strengthening law enforcement capability and combating crime.

“In the 2026/27 Financial Year, the OCJ will also prioritise the maintenance of reliable and secure courtroom operations through the assessment, maintenance and repair of existing CRT equipment across court facilities.

“These measures are intended to minimise downtime, support uninterrupted court proceedings, enhance the safety of Judicial Officers and court users, and improve overall service delivery,” Kubayi said.

Beefing up security

The Minister noted that security at courts has come under sharp scrutiny after a “combination of rising threats and intimidation directed at Presiding Officers, particularly in matters involving organised crime, gang-related activity, and high-profile litigation”.

There have been several incidents at judicial facilities, including incidents occurring at the Booysens, Athlone, Mitchells Plain and Wynberg Magistrate’s Courts in the Western Cape and another incident at Melmoth Court in KwaZulu-Natal.

“These risks are exacerbated by inconsistent and often reactive protective measures, which may not adequately address the sustained nature of threats.

“In addition, infrastructural weaknesses across court facilities, including limitations in access control and perimeter security, together with growing cybersecurity vulnerabilities linked to digital case management systems, continue to heighten the overall risk environment,” Kubayi said.

In response the OCJ is developing its security strategy to protect judicial officers and infrastructure.

“This Strategy will introduce targeted initiatives to address both physical and digital security risks, with a particular focus on improving consistency in protection measures.

“The OCJ will also monitor and track the implementation of these initiatives to ensure accountability and the effective enhancement of security across the Superior Courts,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

0

Foreign Affairs Ministers from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are set to gather in South Africa later this month for a high-level retreat aimed at crafting a unified regional response to rapidly evolving global geopolitical dynamics.

The retreat, scheduled to take place from 22 to 24 May 2026 at Skukuza in the Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, is expected to provide a strategic platform for regional leaders to reflect on growing global uncertainties while identifying opportunities to strengthen regional cooperation, resilience and economic growth.

According to SADC, the meeting comes at a time when the international system is undergoing profound transformation, driven by heightened competition among major powers, technological advancement and changing economic realities.

While these shifts have introduced new global challenges, the region believes they also present opportunities for SADC member states to deepen integration, accelerate industrialisation and strengthen their collective voice on the international stage.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, will officially open the retreat in his capacity as Chairperson of the SADC Council of Ministers.

“The Retreat will enable Ministers to reflect on the implications of these changes and to chart a unified course that safeguards stability while advancing regional development,” SADC said in a statement.

The regional bloc said the discussions will build on SADC’s long-term strategic frameworks, including Vision 2050 and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP 2020–2030).

The retreat is expected to focus on practical and forward-looking solutions aimed at ensuring the region can effectively respond to external pressures while unlocking new avenues for growth and prosperity.

Key discussions will centre on infrastructure development, transport and logistics, as well as the free movement of people, goods and services across the region.

Ministers are also expected to deliberate on industrialisation, regional value chains and trade, in addition to issues relating to energy, oil and gas, and mineral resources.

Food security, agricultural supply chains, financing regional integration, investment, debt management and domestic revenue mobilisation will also form part of the agenda.

“These themes reflect the multi-dimensional nature of contemporary geopolitical shifts and will allow Ministers to identify cross-cutting linkages and prioritise strategic interventions,” SADC said.

The regional bloc described the gathering as a critical moment for SADC, saying the outcomes of the retreat are expected to reinforce regional solidarity, strengthen collective action and position the region as a proactive and influential player in shaping the future global order.

“By embracing dialogue, unity, and foresight, Ministers of Foreign Affairs will chart a path that safeguards regional stability and unlocks new opportunities for growth and prosperity,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za

4

National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza, has outlined the next step in the National Assembly process on the composition of the Impeachment Committee, in accordance with section 89 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

The Section 89 impeachment process is linked to the 2020 theft at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm.

In a statement on Wednesday, Parliament said Didiza engaged the National Assembly Chief Whips Forum earlier in the day on the process to be followed in establishing the committee.

The forum comprises Chief Whips and representatives of political parties represented in the National Assembly.

“Given that the impeachment committee process constitutes uncharted procedural terrain for Parliament, the Speaker this morning engaged the National Assembly Chief Whips Forum, comprising Chief Whips and representatives of political parties represented in the Assembly, regarding the determination for the composition of the committee,” Parliament said.

Political parties represented in the National Assembly have now been requested to submit the names of Members who will serve on the committee to the National Assembly Secretariat by the close of business on Friday, 22 May 2026.

READ | Parliament to reopen Section 89 process after court ruling

Parliament said the Speaker considered both proportional representation and inclusivity in determining the composition of the committee.

“In determining the composition of the Impeachment Committee, the Speaker considered not only the constitutional principle of proportional representation, but also the need for inclusivity and broad participation in this unprecedented parliamentary process,” the statement said. 

Parliament said the approach seeks to ensure smaller political parties are also represented in the committee.

“Accordingly, the determination seeks to balance traditional proportional representation with a measure of inclusivity, so as to ensure that smaller political parties — which may otherwise not be accommodated through a strict mathematical application of proportional representation — are also afforded representation and participation in the Committee’s work,” Parliament said.

The impeachment committee will comprise 31 members drawn from the 16 political parties represented in the National Assembly.

The African National Congress (ANC) will have nine members, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with five and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) with three.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) will have two members, while the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Patriotic Alliance (PA), Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus), ActionSA, African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), United Democratic Movement (UDM), RISE Mzansi, Build One South Africa (BOSA), African Transformation Movement (ATM), Al Jama-ah, National Coloured Congress (NCC) and United Africans Transformation (UAT) will each have one representative.

Meanwhile, the Speaker has referred the Constitutional Court judgment relating to the matter to the National Assembly Subcommittee on the Review of Rules.

The subcommittee will consider and process amendments required to the Rules of the National Assembly. – SAnews.gov.za

 

0

While reflecting on the gains and challenges of South Africa’s democratic journey, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has welcomed the rise in earnings among black South Africans, saying this has significantly changed the racial composition of the country’s middle- and upper-income earners over the past three decades of democracy.

According to the General Household Survey by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the proportion of black households earning more than R75 000 per month increased from 29% in 2012 to 41% in 2024.

“Accordingly, the number of black South Africans in the middle- and upper-income brackets, defined as those earning more than R22 000 a month, quadrupled to more than 7 million in 2024 from 2012. Overall, the total number of people in those income groups rose from about 4 million to more than 11 million over the period (2012 – 2024),” the Minister said on Wednesday, tabling the Budget Vote for Stats SA in parliament.

Ntshavheni used the Budget Vote to reflect on evidence presented through Stats SA data over the past 30 years, noting that in 1996, for the first time in South Africa’s history, the organisation undertook a national study to count every person, in every community and language, as equal citizens of a free South Africa.

Poverty trends

In December 2025, Stats SA released the report Poverty Trends in South Africa: An examination of absolute poverty between 2006 and 2023.

The poverty trends report by Stats SA indicates a significant improvement in poverty reduction. 

The report points to notable progress in reducing poverty levels. 

“For example, the percentage of the population that is considered Lower Bound Poverty Line (LBPL) decreased from 57.5% in 2006 to 37.9% in 2023, number of LBPL poor in millions similarly decreased from 27.3 million in 2006 to 23.2 million in 2023. 

“Furthermore, the percentage of the population living in extreme poverty (below the Food Poverty Line) also decreased from 27.4% in 2006 to 17.6% in 2023 – translating to 10.8 million people living in extreme poverty or food poverty line – equalling 2.2 million fewer people living in food poverty line in 2023 compared to 2006,” the Minister said.

Despite the progress, Ntshavheni expressed concern that 10.8 million South Africans still live below the food poverty line. 

She said the government would continue using poverty data to improve the targeting of developmental policies and intervention programmes.

“Stats SA in the 2003 – 2026 Poverty Report asserts that education remains one of the most potent tools for fighting poverty, as those with lower education levels recorded notably higher poverty headcounts compared to those with higher levels of education. 

“It is for this reason that the implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act is non-negotiable. There is also a need to support the Minister of Higher Education on the continuing work to review the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), including measures to expand access to higher education for the dependents of police officers, teachers, nurses and other public servants who often fall outside existing support thresholds despite facing significant financial pressures,” the Minister said.

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the “missing middle” in higher education funding.

“The aim is to build a more inclusive and sustainable student funding system that broadens opportunity while safeguarding the future viability of the scheme,” the Minister said.

Unemployment concerns

Turning to the persistent challenge of unemployment, Ntshavheni referred to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey for 2026, which showed employment declined by 345 000 people to 16.8 million in the first quarter, down from 17.1 million in the previous quarter.

“The argument of an increase in unemployment due to first-quarter trends of increased labour market entrants does not hold, as the country experienced a decline in the number of employed persons,” Ntshavheni said.

She noted that the decline in employment opportunities comes at a time when infrastructure investment is gaining momentum.

The Minister of Finance has announced a R1 trillion allocation for infrastructure development in the 2026 National Budget, while the sixth edition of the South African Investment Conference secured more than R1.5 trillion in investment commitments

“This decline is reported when the country is experiencing an increase in anti-foreign nationals’ sentiments, which, in addition to accusing foreign nationals of taking part in criminal activities, the major complaint is the accusation that foreign nationals are taking opportunities that must be reserved for South Africans,” the Minister said.

According to Stats SA’s Migration Module of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey, the unemployment rate among foreign-born persons in 2022 stood at 18.2%, compared to 34% for locally born persons.

“The absorption rate of foreign-born persons was 64% and that of locally born persons was 37,7%, meaning that foreign-born persons were twice as likely to be employed in South Africa than locally born persons. The absorption rate is the proportion of those in working age (15-64 years) who are employed,” she said.

The Minister added that the Border Management Authority (BMA) and the Department of Home Affairs are actively addressing the presence of undocumented foreign nationals.

As of 31 December 2025, South Africa recorded 55 190 refugees and 82 410 asylum seekers.

“Cabinet has directed the Department of Employment and Labour to intensify inspections of workplaces to ensure compliance with employment laws across vulnerable sectors such as hospitality, farms, trucking, and construction, amongst others,” she said.

Municipalities have also been instructed to strengthen enforcement of municipal by-laws, particularly trading by-laws, while South Africans were urged not to sub-lease business licences. –SAnews.gov.za

 

3

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed judges to various divisions across the country.

The appointments were made in terms of section 174(6) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, and on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Presidency said the appointments were made to “ensure courts have the necessary capacity to administer justice”.

The judicial appointments are as follows:
•    Madam Justice Thandi Victoria Norman as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal, with effect from 15 May 2026 in an existing vacancy;
•    Mr Justice Bashier Vally as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal, with effect from 01 June 2026 in an existing vacancy;
•    Madam Justice Leonie Windell as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal with effect from 01 June 2026 in an existing vacancy;
•    Mr Justice Aubrey Phage Ledwaba as a Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court, with effect from 15 May 2026 in an existing vacancy;
•    Ms Nolubabalo Cengani-Mbakaza as a Judge of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Mthatha with effect from 01 July 2026 in an existing vacancy;
•    Advocate Sally Ann Collett as a Judge of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Makhanda with effect from 01 July 2026 in an existing vacancy;
•    Professor Nomthandazo Patience Ntlama-Makhanya as a Judge of the Eastern Cape Division of the Court, Makhanda with effect from 01 August 2026 in an existing vacancy;
•    Mr Rodges Deon Barendse as a Judge of the Western Cape Division of
the High Court, with effect from 01 June 2026 in an existing vacancy;
•    Advocate Diane Margaret Davis SC as a Judge of the Western Cape Division of the High Court, with effect from 01 July 2026 in an existing vacancy;
•    Advocate Ncumisa Thoko Mayosi as a Judge of the Western Cape Division of the High Court, with effect from 01 June 2026 in an existing vacancy;
•    Advocate Pinda Njokweni as a Judge of the Western Cape Division of the High Court, with effect from 01 June 2026 in an existing vacancy; and
•    Advocate Phillipa Susan Van Zyl as a Judge of the Western Cape Division of the High Court, with effect from 01 June 2026 in an existing vacancy.

The President has wished the judges well as they assume their responsibilities. –SAnews.gov.za 

 

4

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has welcomed the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) results released by Statistics South Africa, which show that KwaZulu-Natal was the only province in South Africa to record an increase in employment and job creation during the first quarter of 2026.

According to the provincial government, KwaZulu-Natal created more than 6 000 jobs during the period, while all other provinces experienced declines in employment and job losses. 

The province said the figures position KwaZulu-Natal as a leading contributor to economic resilience and employment growth in the country.

The provincial government expressed its appreciation to the Provincial Executive, for what it described as decisive leadership focused on economic recovery, investment promotion, service delivery, and sustainable job creation across the province.

The latest labour market figures come as South Africa continues to face economic challenges, including high unemployment, slow economic growth, and increasing pressure on households and businesses.

Commenting on the results, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said the province’s performance reflected the impact of focused interventions implemented by the 7th Administration under the Government of Provincial Unity.

“These encouraging figures demonstrate that KwaZulu-Natal is steadily moving in the right direction. As a provincial government, we remain committed to creating an enabling environment for investment, economic growth, industrial expansion, tourism development, infrastructure rollout, and sustainable job creation,” he said.

Ntuli said the province had intensified efforts to position KwaZulu-Natal as an investment destination through strategic partnerships with the private sector, infrastructure development programmes, and support for small businesses, township and rural economies, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and the logistics sector.

He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, business, labour, and communities in driving inclusive economic growth.

“The progress we are witnessing is a result of collective effort and collaboration. We appreciate the confidence shown by investors, businesses, workers, and communities in the economic future of KwaZulu-Natal,” said Ntuli.

The provincial government said it remains committed to accelerating programmes aimed at reducing unemployment, particularly among young people, women, and vulnerable groups, through skills development initiatives, entrepreneurship support programmes, and targeted economic interventions.

KwaZulu-Natal continues to focus on strategic economic platforms such as the ports of Durban and Richards Bay, tourism, agricultural expansion, manufacturing, and infrastructure investment to stimulate growth and employment opportunities across the province.

Ntuli said while the latest results marked a significant shift, more work was needed to ensure that greater job opportunities are created for the majority of people in the province. 

He said the provincial government would continue implementing interventions aimed at ensuring that economic growth translates into meaningful opportunities and improved livelihoods for the people of KwaZulu-Natal. – SAnews.gov.za

 

7

South African National Parks (SANParks) chairperson Beryl Ferguson says Africa’s Travel Indaba is more than a marketplace – it remains a melting pot for initiatives that expand the horizons of the tourism industry.

Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 started on Tuesday and ends on Thursday, and is being held under the theme: “Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa’s Tourism Economy”.

“It is a meeting of ideas, ambition and responsibility. It is where we collectively shape how Africa is experienced by the world and critically, how the continent’s natural and cultural heritage is valued, narrated and sustained,” she said.

Taking part in the “Conversation about Conservation” dialogue held at the Indaba in Durban, Ferguson said increasingly, global travellers are seeking experiences that are authentic, responsible and rooted in real connection to place, people and purpose.

“We gather here at a particularly meaningful time in South Africa’s conservation journey, as we commemorate 100 years of the Kruger National Park,” Ferguson said.

Proclaimed in 1926, the Kruger National Park has grown into one of the most recognisable protected landscapes in the world, a place of extraordinary biodiversity, scientific excellence and tourism appeal.

Given this, Ferguson explained that the Kruger is more than an iconic destination. “It is a living landscape shaped by time, learning and change.”

Ferguson said over the past century, conservation in the Kruger has evolved, responding to new knowledge, new pressures and new societal expectations.

“It reminds us that conservation is not static; it is dynamic, human and deeply contextual. The Kruger’s history, like that of many protected areas globally, was shaped in an era of exclusion and dispossession, with lasting consequences for communities linked to this land.

“Recognising this truth does not detract from conservation achievements; rather, it strengthens our resolve to ensure that the future is built differently with communities recognised as rightful partners in stewardship and shared benefit,.

“In the democratic era, SANParks, together with government and community stakeholders, worked to address these legacies through land restitution, co-management arrangements, heritage recognition and benefit sharing initiatives,” Ferguson said.

The Kruger’s story is also one of resilience.

“From ecological pressures to more recent extreme weather events and floods, the Park has demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to recover and adapt. These experiences reflect the realities facing conservation today. 

“Climate change, biodiversity loss, land use pressures and shifting global travel patterns are redefining how protected areas must be managed.

“Conservation in the 21st century cannot exist in isolation from society. Protected areas must safeguard ecological integrity, while also delivering social value,” she said.

Ferguson said as SANParks, they believe that the next 100 years of the Kruger National Park and of conservation, more broadly, will be defined by collaboration, adaptability and shared stewardship.

“From grassroots environmental stewardship to global advocacy and education, to the lived management of protected landscapes, each has played a role in advancing conservation consciousness worldwide,” she said.

Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 takes place as the continent commemorates Africa Month, providing an important platform to strengthen partnerships, and shape a more inclusive tourism future that benefits communities, entrepreneurs and nations. – SAnews.gov.za

 

7