Category: South Africa Government

Government has set aside R1.6 billion for activities related to the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, with an additional R50 million allocated to provincial baselines – demonstrating that GBVF remains a whole-of-government priority within the policing budget.

Presenting the 2026/27 South African Police Service (SAPS) Budget Vote in Parliament on Tuesday, Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia said policing alone could not solve South Africa’s crime crisis and stressed the importance of coordinated action across government and communities.

“Policing alone cannot solve crime. Crime is driven by deep social and economic challenges that require a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response,” Cachalia said.

He said the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy remains central to government’s approach, emphasising that preventing crime requires stronger families, safer schools, youth development, substance abuse prevention, better urban planning, stronger community partnerships and intergovernmental cooperation.

Cachalia said government remains firmly committed to tackling Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, with Deputy Minister Polly Boshielo leading initiatives aimed at improving the response to GBV.

The Minister also announced the implementation of a structured national community patroller programme aimed at improving visibility and strengthening community-based crime prevention in high-crime areas.

“These patrollers will not do police work, and will be properly regulated, community-centred and implemented under SAPS coordination, with appropriate vetting, training and oversight mechanisms,” Cachalia said.

He also commended the role already being played by community structures across the country in supporting law enforcement and strengthening social cohesion.

“Across the country, Community Policing Forums (CPF), neighbourhood structures, faith-based organisations and community volunteers continue to play an important role in strengthening safety and social cohesion,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

5

Acting Free State Premier Jabu Mbalula on Tuesday led a high-level multi-stakeholder engagement in Hennenman aimed at resolving the ongoing shutdown in Phomolong linked to a solar project recruitment process.

The meeting follows a community engagement addressed by Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae on 15 May 2026, amid growing tensions in the area.

Community members have raised concerns over what they describe as a flawed recruitment process connected to the solar project, which is expected to commence soon. 

The frustrations have since escalated into protest action and disruptions in the township.

The provincial government said the shutdown has severely affected access to essential services, including healthcare and schooling.

“Members of the community have unfortunately been unable to access health services and children have also not been able to attend school. Of concern, Grade 12 learners are writing an examination on Wednesday, 20 May 2026,” the statement said.

Addressing stakeholders during the meeting, Mbalula appealed for calm and urged residents not to compromise the future of learners.

“Despite the differences between different parties, the education and future of learners must not be compromised, and all reasonable measures must be taken to ensure that there are no hinderances to their schooling and that they are able to write their mid-year examinations,” he said.

The Acting Premier acknowledged the frustrations raised by the community, saying their concerns must be treated with seriousness and humility.

“We have promised the people of Phomolong that the Free State Provincial Government will visit the area and update them on the latest developments. What we have always said is that local communities must be the primary beneficiaries of projects in their towns and we stand by that.

“What we are not going to allow is for individuals to use the genuine concerns of our people for selfish reasons,” Mbalula said.

Also attending the engagement were Free State MEC for Health Monyatso Mahlatsi, councillors Maxie Badenhorst and Phehello Nthuba, as well as representatives of Middelpunt PV Solar, the company responsible for the project.

Meanwhile, Mbalula is expected to attend a community meeting at Tiger Sports Ground on Wednesday afternoon as part of ongoing efforts to resolve the impasse. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

0

Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth says only 9% of employers inspected by the Department of Employment and Labour were found compliant with employment equity legislation during the 2025/26 financial year.

Delivering the Department of Employment and Labour’s Budget Vote 31 in Parliament on Tuesday, Meth said government is intensifying workplace inspections and labour law reforms to improve compliance and worker protection. 

“Through the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) process, the Labour Laws Amendment Bill proposes critical reforms to the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, National Minimum Wage Act and Employment Equity Act.

“These changes are aimed at strengthening worker protection, improving dispute resolution, reducing unnecessary compliance burdens for small businesses and aligning legislation with Constitutional Court and Labour Court judgments,” the Minister said. 

Meth said the Labour Laws Amendment Bill was approved by Cabinet for public comment and published in the Government Gazette on 27 February 2026.

The process generated 216 public submissions, which are currently under review.

Employment equity compliance remains low

The Minister said more than 14 000 designated employers submitted Employment Equity reports, following the promulgation of the Employment Equity Amendment Act and introduction of sectoral numerical targets.

In addition, over 11 000 non-designated employers applied for compliance certificates.

However, compliance levels remain concerning.

“In the 2025/26 financial year, the Department targeted 3 324 Employment Equity inspections, including Director-General Reviews, re-assessments, and monitoring interventions.

“A total of 1 948 employers were reviewed and served with recommendations. Of these, only 181 employers were found compliant, representing a compliance rate of 9 percent, while 1 767 employers were found to be non-compliant and were issued with recommendations for corrective action,” Minister Meth said. 

10 000 permanent labour inspectors to be recruited

Meth said government is strengthening labour inspection and enforcement capacity through Project 20 000 inspector interns.

“The first phase of 10 000 inspector interns commenced during the 2025/26 financial year, and by the end of April 2026, approximately 3 800 young interns had already entered training and deployment processes,” the Minister said. 

She said a further 3 500 interns will begin at the end of May, while another 2 700 will start by the end of June 2026.

“These young recruits are the new boots on the ground in the fight against labour exploitation, non-compliance and workplace injustice,” she said.

Meth said the project gained momentum following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement during the 2026 State of the Nation Address that 10 000 permanent labour inspectors will be appointed.

“The Department will start with the recruitment of these permanent inspectors, instead of recruiting the remaining 10 000 interns. We have set aside R5 billion for the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period,” she said. 

Minimum wage and worker protection

Meth said the National Minimum Wage continues to benefit millions of workers.

“Since its introduction, the National Minimum Wage has benefited an estimated six million workers,” she said. 

She added that the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) continues to focus on conflict prevention and job retention. 

“In the current year, it targets the resolution of 99% of cases within prescribed timeframes and seeks to address 90% of public interest disputes while supporting the preservation of jobs during retrenchment processes,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

0

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has been allocated R127.072 billion for the 2026/27 financial year, with an expected increase to R135.8 billion by the 2028/29 financial year, making it the largest institution in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster.

Presenting SAPS Budget Vote in Parliament on Tuesday, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia described the allocation as part of a broader “police reset agenda” aimed at building a modern, professional and trusted police service that places the safety of people first.

Cachalia emphasised that the police “reset agenda” was not a one-year project finalised in an annual budget cycle.

“It requires a multi-year turnaround strategy that is consistently implemented. The actions we take in this financial year should contribute to the foundations upon which a strengthened SAPS can be built.

“We won’t promise miracles or short-term fixes. What matters is that the direction we are taking is clear and the goals are firm,” the Acting Minister said.

He said the budget backs the department’s longer-term strategy focusing on the integrity of the SAPS, its intelligence, and investigative capabilities, in order to improve community safety.

He acknowledged growing public frustration over crime levels, corruption, and poor policing standards, saying South Africans wanted a police service that is visible, disciplined, and trustworthy.

While commending the thousands of police officers serving under dangerous conditions, the Acting Minister admitted that SAPS remained affected by systemic corruption, particularly within procurement systems.

He said investigations linked to the Madlanga Commission and internal anti-corruption efforts were continuing, warning that more arrests of implicated officials could follow.

“Most of the recent arrests and criminal charges against senior police officers is the result of investigations that predate the Madlanga Commission. However, the important work of the Madlanga Commission is assisting our endeavours to improve accountability in policing.

“The SAPS has established a dedicated Task Team to investigate referrals arising out of the Madlanga Commission. The Task Team is making progress, [and] arrests will continue,” Cachalia said.

He said a major focus of the budget will be strengthening Crime Intelligence and the Detective Service, with government aiming to improve intelligence-led policing, criminal investigations, and prosecution outcomes.

Cachalia emphasised the need for effective crime intelligence to fight organised crime; identify threats early, infiltrate organised criminal networks, prevent violent crime and guide operational deployments through credible information and analysis.

“To retain expertise, the Detective Critical Skills Allowance of R1000, introduced in October 2025 will continue to support both SAPS and Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation investigators.”

Tackling organised crime

A new Organised Crime Strategy has been developed to strengthen intelligence-led policing, improve interdepartmental coordination, intensify financial investigations and enhance partnerships with the private sector and international law enforcement agencies.

Cachalia said substantial resources have been allocated from Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA) funds and the Medium-term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) budget.

He said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation will continue strengthening cross-border cooperation and intelligence-sharing to target criminal networks operating across the region and beyond.

Government has also allocated additional resources towards combating illegal firearms, including funding for firearm licensing and compliance activities, as well as the development of an upgraded digital Firearms Control Management System.

To strengthen regulation and enforcement under the Firearms Control Act, an additional R18 million has been allocated over and above the baseline allocation for licensing and compliance activities.

The Acting Minister announced the introduction of a renewed focus on the country’s 50 highest-crime police precincts, where detailed assessments will be conducted to evaluate leadership, staffing levels, operational readiness, detective performance, and infrastructure requirements at these stations.

“A strengthened monitoring system will assess whether resources are directed strategically towards crime hotspots and offenders who cause the most harm to their communities. 

“The Civilian Secretariat for Police Service will be playing a key role here. We will continue investing in police stations, mobile Community Service Centres and station maintenance to improve service delivery and police visibility.

“The Police Modernisation Project aims digitalise administrative systems and improve operational efficiency, allowing more police officers to focus on frontline policing and community safety. This project will continue to be rolled out at high-crime stations and is part of the public-private sector partnership – the Joint Initiative Against Crime and Corruption, being led by the Presidency,” the Acting Minister said.

Cachalia announced that SAPS procurement and supply chain management systems will undergo significant reform in partnership with National Treasury’s Government Technical Advisory Centre in an effort to improve oversight, transparency and operational preparedness. – SAnews.gov.za

5

As South Africa prepares to participate in the 2026 Copenhagen Climate Ministerial Summit, government says it will reaffirm its commitment to multilateralism as a key driver of implementation-based cooperation to tackle global environmental and climate challenges.

This is the message that Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, will deliver to about 40 leaders and Ministers gathering in Copenhagen on Wednesday and Thursday to negotiate climate matters ahead of the June Climate Meetings (SB64) in Bonn and COP31 in Antalya in November.

“We are unyielding in this message that, going into COP31 in Turkiye, developing economy countries are at the table with a basket full of opportunities for the green economy and simply need the necessary financial and technical support.

“We took the same message to the Petersberg Climate Dialogue and will continue that same message here in Copenhagen all the way to COP31,” the Minister said.

The Copenhagen Ministerial Summit serves as an important international platform that brings together governments, development partners, scientists, civil society and industry leaders to advance dialogue and cooperation on climate action and sustainable development.

During the summit, ministers and senior officials will deliberate on issues related to climate resilience, particularly in the face of persistent climate-induced disasters, sustainable financing, energy transition, and strengthening international partnerships to support the implementation of global environmental commitments.

Aucamp emphasised that South Africa remains committed to advancing a just and inclusive transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy, strengthening international cooperation on climate adaptation and mitigation, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, and supporting innovation and scientific collaboration to address emerging environmental challenges.

The Minister said South Africa’s participation in the meeting underscores the country’s commitment to constructive international engagement in advancing climate action, sustainable development and global cooperation.

For South Africa, the Copenhagen Ministerial Summit remains an important platform for strengthening global solidarity and accelerating practical solutions that support both people and protect the environment. –SAnews.gov.za

8

Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Seiso Mohai, will on Wednesday lead the Geospatial Information Management Strategy (GIMS) Roadshow at the Chief Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in eThekwini.

The Geospatial Information Management Strategy was initiated by the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation under the Chief Directorate Spatial Planning. 

The roadshow is being held in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government and the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.

The GIMS was launched nationally on 19 September 2025 by the Minister in the Presidency, establishing a policy foundation for spatial governance and coordinated data management. 

The KwaZulu-Natal event marks the first provincial roadshow and is expected to serve as a model for future rollouts.

According to organisers, the strategy aims to enable evidence-based planning, data interoperability and spatial monitoring of development outcomes.

The Provincial GIMS Roadshows form part of efforts to move the strategy from policy to implementation.

The roadshow aims to institutionalise and operationalise the strategy across all spheres of government, build awareness and technical capacity among provincial and municipal stakeholders, strengthen geospatial data governance and interoperability, and promote the integration of geospatial data into national monitoring and evaluation systems.

The programme will include strategic remarks, provincial and municipal case studies, a live demonstration of the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation’s Geospatial Enabled Dashboard and Geospatial Tools, as well as an interactive question-and-answer session.

The event is expected to bring together stakeholders including executive leadership from national government, the Office of the Premier in KwaZulu-Natal, the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, representatives from provincial departments, technical experts from national and provincial government departments, business and private sector representatives, and academic institutions including the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the Durban University of Technology. – SAnews.gov.za

9

Eskom has issued a notice of intent to reduce, interrupt and/or terminate electricity supply to certain bulk supply points in the City of Johannesburg (CoJ).

The power utility said this was due to the R5.2 billion owed by the city and City Power (CP) to Eskom. 

The debt does not include the R1.5 billion that is due to Eskom in June.

“Eskom has been working with CoJ and/or CP for over two years to support the metro in meeting its payment obligations.

“As a result of CoJ/CP’s continued failure to honour its Electricity Supply Agreement with Eskom, including repeated defaults, Eskom has been forced to issue a notice of its intention to reduce, interrupt and/or terminate the supply of electricity to certain bulk supply points against the City of Johannesburg and City Power,” Eskom said.

The power utility maintained that it “cannot be acceptable to the City’s residents and all South Africans” that the city is “failing to pay over Eskom’s share” of electricity revenue collected.

“While Eskom continues to focus on being cost-efficient, escalating municipal and metro arrear debt undermines these efforts.  Eskom’s financial sustainability and ability to supply electricity at affordable prices are dependent upon its ability to improve its balance sheet by increasing revenue and reducing expenses. Revenue can only be increased by collecting electricity debts and/or increasing electricity tariffs.

“Across the country, many municipalities and metros are working with Eskom to develop sustainable debt solutions and Eskom is continuing to accelerate its support for this approach.  Eskom announced on 5 May that nine municipalities have received council resolutions to sign Distribution Agency Agreements following consultation processes,” Eskom said.

Furthermore, the power utility has also developed the Distribution Agency Agreement (DAA), a “long-term, non-permanent contract between a municipality or metro and Eskom, as part of the Active Partnering initiative”.

“This agreement offers a suite of services and solutions aimed at restoring the sustainability of electricity provision in a municipality or metro by enhancing its technical and financial sustainability.

“The services include skill development and training, replacement or installation of smart meters, as well as Eskom collecting revenue on behalf of the municipality.  Eskom is working nationwide to assist in the rollout of this initiative,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

12

Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has announced a R350 million commitment towards a government and business partnership aimed at placing 130 000 young people into learning and employment opportunities. 

Delivering the Department of Employment and Labour’s Budget Vote 31 speech in Parliament on Tuesday, Meth said the intervention forms part of government’s intensified efforts to tackle the country’s worsening unemployment crisis.

“The latest Statistics South Africa (STATS SA) report reminds us of a reality that South Africa’s economic recovery is not translating into jobs,” the Minister said.

South Africa’s official unemployment rate increased from 31.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026, with more than eight million South Africans unemployed.

Meth said youth unemployment remains one of the country’s biggest challenges.

“The crisis confronting young people between the ages of 15 and 34, is that unemployment remains critically high at nearly 46%, underscoring the urgent need for accelerated economic growth, targeted labour market interventions and large-scale youth employment opportunities.”

Government has declared 2026 as “The Year of Putting Young South Africans to Work, in Honour of the 1976 Youth and Commemoration of the Youth Uprising Golden Jubilee.”

“To deepen these interventions, R350 million has been committed to the Government and Business Partnership, working with the Presidency and the National Pathway Management Network to place 130 000 young people, into learning opportunities, work exposure programmes and employment interventions,” she said.   

She added that an additional R95 million has been committed to the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to support Youth Employment Innovation Projects aimed at placing 7 000 young people into productive economic activity. 

Labour Activation Programme revamped

The Labour Activation Programme is being repositioned to better respond to South Africa’s unemployment crisis. 

“The review of the Labour Activation Programme strategy, is now centred on three focused pillars aimed at improving labour market absorption, strengthening workplace experience and supporting enterprise-led job creation,” she said. 

The first pillar will focus on demand-led skills development aligned with scarce and critical skills needed by the economy.

The second pillar will prioritise internships and work-integrated learning opportunities for graduates and TVET students.

“This will include the placement of 20 000 TVET students in work-integrated learning (WIL), Chartered Financial Analysts (CFAs), chartered accountants, professional technicians and engineers, law students and health inspectors. In addition, we will train 10 000 youth on digital skills and 10 000 for driver’s licence [training],” the Minister said. 

The third pillar focuses on supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through blended finance mechanisms.

Government targets 200 000 jobs

Meth said government plans to recruit 200 000 unemployed people during the current financial year through targeted labour market interventions.

“Importantly, 70% of all opportunities will be directed towards the youth, reflecting a deliberate commitment to address the plight of unemployed young people,” she said. 

Over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period, government aims to support a total of 605 000 beneficiaries.

The Minister also revealed that R36.6 billion has been set aside over the MTEF for the Labour Activation Programme.

“For the 2026/27 financial year, the Department of Employment and Labour has been allocated R4.578 billion (four billion, five hundred and seventy-eight million rand), representing a 10.2% (ten-point two percent) increase from the previous financial year,” the Minister said. 

Meth called on employers to partner with government in creating opportunities for young South Africans.

“We call on all employers to partner with us and open opportunities to place young South Africans to either complete their studies or for first time work experience, through internships,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

2

President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a two-day State Visit to the Republic of Botswana on Wednesday.

The visit will culminate in the Sixth Session of the Botswana and South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) to be held in Gaborone.

“President Ramaphosa and President Gideon Duma Boko will co-chair the Summit of the Sixth Session of the South Africa-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC).

“The Summit will be preceded by a Ministerial Meeting on 20 May 2026, and the Senior Officials Meeting,” a Presidency statement said.

The visit is aimed at strengthening and deepening the “existing bilateral partnership between the two countries”.

“The Sixth Session of the BNC represents a critical opportunity to reinforce the strategic partnership between South Africa and Botswana. 

“While the relationship remains strong, it is evolving in response to new economic realities and shifting global dynamics.

“A Business Forum that will be held on the margins of the BNC will strengthen private sector collaboration and facilitate business-to-business exchanges,” the Presidency said.

South Africa and Botswana share deep ties “rooted in solidarity during the liberation struggle, when Botswana provided support to South African freedom fighters”.

“This legacy, combined with geographic proximity and shared cultural and linguistic ties, has shaped a durable partnership that continues to expand across multiple sectors.

“The BNC serves as a central institutional mechanism through which this relationship is structured and advanced, enabling coordinated cooperation and sustained dialogue at political, technical, and economic levels,” the Presidency said.

Bilateral trade between the two countries also remains strong, reaching some R82 billion in 2025 with South African exports to Botswana standing at R73.5 billion with imports from Botswana reaching R7.7 billion.

Furthermore, Botswana imports the bulk of its agricultural products from South Africa with imports of those products amounting to R14 billion last year.

“South Africa has a significant corporate presence in Botswana with more than 100 South African companies operating across key sectors, including in financial and banking services, retail and wholesale, mining and mineral beneficiation, infrastructure, construction and logistics, freight, manufacturing and automotive value chains as well as the hospitality and tourism industries. 

“South Africa’s Development Finance Institutions such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa [DBSA] and the Industrial Development Corporation have also developed a pipeline of projects for financing in Botswana.

“The DBSA’s aggregate portfolio of investments under consideration in Botswana represents a total project value of approximately R6.5 billion, demonstrating meaningful scale and impact,” the statement said.

During the upcoming visit, the two countries will explore “renewable energy opportunities in support of Botswana’s effort towards increasing renewable energy to 50 per cent by 2030, creating opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy, grid integration, and capacity building”.

“The State Visit takes place against the backdrop of a political transition in Botswana, following the transition to a new administration in October 2024.

“The State Visit signals the new government’s intention to consolidate relations with South Africa while maintaining continuity in bilateral engagement. It also offers South Africa an opportunity to strengthen its strategic relations with Botswana. 

“It is envisaged that the two countries will, during the upcoming engagements focus on High Impact Priority Projects. A number of new agreements will also be signed during the visit,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

9

The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has directed the North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Ryno Naidoo, to ensure maximum resources are deployed to hunt down the killers of Thato Molosankwe.

According to police, the crime activist and traditional healer, Molosankwe was shot and killed after he was attacked at his home in Lomanyaneng village, in Mahikeng, in the early hours of Wednesday morning. 

He sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

Lieutenant General Dimpane strongly condemned the murder and assured the community that no stone would be left unturned until those responsible are found and brought to book.

Local police described Molosankwe as a community-minded individual who played an important role in assisting police efforts aimed at fighting crime and corruption, as well as strengthening relations between the SAPS and communities.

The Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit has taken over investigations into the matter.

Police have appealed to anyone with information that may assist investigations to contact the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or provide anonymous tip-offs via the MySAPS App. – SAnews.gov.za

 

16