Category: South Africa Government

With the due date fast approaching, the Western Cape Mobility Department is calling on eligible candidates to apply for its Traffic Officer Cadet Bursary Programme.

The programme offers the opportunity for applicants to complete a Further Education and Training Certificate in Road Traffic Law Enforcement.

The closing date for applications is 5 May 2026, with the 12-month training programme set to commence on 8 June 2026 at the Gene Louw Traffic College in Brackenfell, Cape Town.

Successful applicants will be trained and prepared for deployment as Traffic Officers across various traffic centres in the Western Cape.

“This bursary programme offers a valuable opportunity for young people to build a career in law enforcement while making a real impact on road safety in the Western Cape. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply before the closing date of 5 May. 

“We also caution residents about the various scams targeting applicants. There are no fees required for this programme. If you are passionate about road safety and keen to help make a difference on Western Cape roads, please submit an application,” said Chief Director Traffic Management, Maxine Bezuidenhout.

Residents are strongly cautioned that:
•    No payment is required to apply for this bursary programme.
•    Applications can only be submitted through the official Western Cape Government Jobs webpage.

The provincial department encouraged disciplined, committed, and physically fit individuals aged 35 and under to apply.

For more information and to submit an application, please visit the official Western Cape Government Jobs webpage. – SAnews.gov.za

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The eThekwini Municipality has adopted a new set of measurable targets for the 2026/27 financial year aimed at strengthening coordination, improving accountability, and accelerating crime prevention and safety services across the city.

The targets form part of a structured roadmap endorsed during a Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster strategic session held recently at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The roadmap outlines clear priorities, timelines and performance indicators designed to enhance service delivery across key workstreams, including crime prevention, law enforcement, case management, disaster resilience and the management of community protests. 

The Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG), comprising municipal departments, law enforcement agencies, and other government institutions, used the session to assess current performance and identify critical gaps requiring urgent intervention.

Lieutenant-Colonel Phiwayinkosi Ngcobo, a senior officer at the Durban Metro Police Unit, reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to its collaboration agreement with the South African Police Service, signed in Inanda, north of Durban, with various law enforcement stakeholders.

Ngcobo was speaking on behalf of the Metro Police Commissioner, Sibonelo Mchunu, at the strategic session.

“The PeWG Workstream 3 deliverables are currently ahead of schedule, in line with agreed action items,” Ngcobo said, adding that the city is benefiting from significant infrastructure investments.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has recently highlighted eThekwini as a leading municipality, encouraging other municipalities to benchmark against its progress and initiatives.

Progress was highlighted in several areas, including increased law enforcement visibility, improved case tracking, enhanced disaster preparedness, and more coordinated responses to community protests.

Representing the Municipal Safer Cities Directorate, acting senior manager Pumla Jingxi said the city will continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving safety and service delivery.

“We will continue to support government initiatives aimed at safeguarding communities, strengthening intergovernmental relations, accelerating service delivery, and providing adequate shelter solutions for the homeless,” Jingxi said.

A key outcome of the session was the formal adoption of the JCPS Cluster Terms of Reference, establishing clear governance framework to define roles and responsibilities, reduce duplication, strengthen oversight and improve decision-making.

The meeting also prioritised outstanding District Development Model JCPS matters, including resolutions from political and technical hubs, as well as Cabinet Day engagements under the One Stop Shop programme.

With these frameworks in place, the municipality will now focus on implementation, ongoing monitoring and regular reporting against the newly adopted targets.

Officials said the overall objective is to build safer, more resilient communities through a more integrated, coordinated and responsive JCPS system. – SAnews.gov.za

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The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Health, National Priority Programmes, and the Wits Diagnostic Innovation Hub (DIH), has developed South Africa’s first National Diabetes (HbA1c) Dashboard — a major step forward in tackling one of the country’s leading causes of death. 

The NHLS on Tuesday said the dashboard, which was developed through a multidisciplinary effort, integrates expertise from the NHLS Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW), National Priority Programmes, and the Department of Chemical Pathology at the University of the Witwatersrand. 

NHLS CEO, Professor Koleka Mlisana, said that it leverages NHLS laboratory data from across the country to deliver a near-real-time nationwide view of diabetes control.  

“This platform transforms how we use laboratory data from retrospective reporting to real-time action. It equips healthcare workers with the information needed to respond faster and improve patient outcomes,” Mlisana said. 

The NHLS said this comes amid growing calls from civil society for urgent, coordinated action to address diabetes, now widely recognised as a national health crisis. 

For the first time, the dashboard provides a near-real-time, nationwide view of diabetes control, using NHLS laboratory data refreshed within 48 hours. This enables clinicians and programme managers to identify high-risk patients earlier, monitor and control, and intervene more rapidly to prevent complications. 

“This dashboard represents a significant leap forward in how we use laboratory data to improve patient care. Innovation is central to the NHLS strategy and values, and this platform demonstrates our commitment to leveraging data to strengthen the health system,” the CEO said. 

The dashboard transforms how diabetes data is accessed and used. Previously, data was shared via monthly Excel-based reports, which required manual analysis and distribution across provinces, districts, and facilities, delaying timely intervention. 

The new dashboard eliminates these inefficiencies by offering live, continuously updated data, refreshed within 48 hours. 

This innovation also provides healthcare practitioners with immediate access to critical patient information, enabling faster clinical decision-making and more targeted interventions. 

Beyond clinical care, the dashboard strengthens accountability and system performance, allowing health authorities to monitor trends across provinces and target interventions where they are most needed This innovation positions the NHLS as a key partner in building a coordinated, data-driven, evidence-based national response to diabetes. 

It also supports the National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (2022–2027), with a target to ensure that 50% of diabetics on treatment achieve control. For the first time, South Africa has a dedicated diabetes surveillance system to assess levels of control in the public sector. 

“By providing near-real-time insights, we are empowering healthcare workers to respond faster, intervene earlier, and ultimately improve outcomes for patients living with diabetes across South Africa,” the CEO added.

The dashboard is accessible to healthcare practitioners across South Africa, ensuring that those on the frontlines of care have the tools they need to respond effectively and efficiently. 

This initiative reinforces the NHLS’ role as a leader in diagnostic innovation and its ongoing commitment to supporting the public health sector with cutting-edge solutions that enhance patient care and health system performance. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has reaffirmed that expanding meaningful employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in both the public and private sectors is fundamental to the realisation of freedom, dignity, and equality in South Africa.

In a statement, the department said that while the right to work remains central to inclusive development, enshrined in the Constitution and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, representation of persons with disabilities in the public service remains at about 1.2%, underscoring persistent systemic barriers.

To address this gap, government has introduced a Practice Note aligned with Circular 19 of 2026. The directive provides clear and enforceable measures aimed at progressively increasing employment of persons with disabilities in the public sector to 7% by 2030.

“The Practice Note requires departments to integrate targets into planning and budgeting, strengthen accountability of Heads of Department, and report on progress quarterly,” the department said.

It further directs departments to remove barriers to entry through accessible recruitment processes, ring-fence entry-level opportunities, and ensure workplace accessibility and reasonable accommodation. This includes dedicated budgets and defined turnaround times for support measures.

The department has called on all spheres of government, including State-owned entities, as well as the private sector, to intensify efforts by accelerating the implementation of employment equity targets towards 7% by 2030; embedding accountability and reporting mechanisms in institutional systems; ensuring accessible workplaces and the provision of reasonable accommodation; expanding inclusive skills development, internships and career pathways, and addressing discrimination, while shifting societal attitudes.

The department emphasised that the public sector must lead by example, with inclusion embedded in planning, budgeting, and performance systems, while the private sector is encouraged to recognise disability inclusion as a driver of innovation and sustainable growth.

“Employment is a key enabler of independence and dignity. Through the implementation of the Practice Note, government is moving from commitment to measurable action that will transform opportunities for persons with disabilities,” the department said.

The department added that it remains committed to working with all stakeholders to build an inclusive economy in which persons with disabilities can fully participate and thrive. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued Yellow Level 2 warnings for damaging winds and waves in the Eastern Cape.

The weather service said the damaging winds could result in localised damage to settlements and temporary structures, localised disruption to power and communications, as well as disruptions of beach/port activity in places along the coast between East London to Port Edward.

In a statement the weather service said the second warning for damaging waves could lead to “localised difficulty in navigation of small boats with a risk of some vessels taking on water and capsizing within a locality is expected in places along the coast between Tsitsikamma and Port Edward.”

In addition, the weatherman has issued a  Yellow Level 1 Warning for damaging winds and waves resulting in localised disruption of small harbours and/or a port for a short period of time, small vessels at risk of taking on water and capsizing in a locality, and difficulty in navigation are expected between Port Edward and Kosi Bay.

In addition, the weather service said very cold conditions are expected over the northern interior of the Eastern Cape.

For Gauteng and Mpumalanga, morning fog is expected in places.

“Morning fog in places, otherwise partly cloudy and cool but warm in the north,” said SAWS of Gauteng.
In Mpumalanga morning fog in the Highveld and escarpment is expected with partly cloudy and cool with isolated showers and rain in the east where it will be cloudy. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Government has noted with concern misleading reports suggesting that the National Freedom Day celebrations were disrupted after an individual briefly made his way onto the stage towards President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie. 

“Government wishes to clarify that these reports are incorrect and may overstate the nature of the incident. At the time of the incident, the formal programme of the Freedom Day celebrations had already concluded, and proceedings had transitioned into a cultural performance segment, with an artist entertaining attendees,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said.

In a statement, the GCIS said the President, accompanied by dignitaries, was on stage engaging with the performance in a celebratory manner. 

“Members of the public, including a large number of children, were gathered in an orderly fashion outside the main stage area, awaiting an opportunity to greet the President.

“During this time, an individual, in a state of visible excitement, made his way onto the stage with the intention of greeting the President and the Minister. Security personnel responded swiftly, restraining the individual in line with standard protocol,” Acting Government Spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa said.

It has since been established that the individual posed no security threat and did not attempt to cause harm. His actions were driven by enthusiasm and a desire to interact with the President and the Minister.

“Government further confirms that the official programme was not disrupted. Following this brief moment, the President proceeded to engage with members of the public outside the stage area, including the individual concerned, who expressed great joy at meeting the President,” said the GCIS.

South Africa commemorated National Freedom Day on Monday in the Free State.

READ | Government strengthening criminal justice system and rooting out corruption

–SAnews.gov.za

 

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Public Service and Administration Minister, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, has announced a 4% wage increase for public servants.

The adjustment, effective from 1 April 2026, applies to employees on salary levels 1 to 12 and those covered by Occupation Specific Dispensations (OSDs). 

The increase gives effect to the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) Resolution 1 of 2025, which established a multi-year wage framework for the public service.

“The implementation of this 4% adjustment is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the stability of our Public Service and the sanctity of collective bargaining. By honoring the ‘floor’ mechanism within PSCBC Resolution 1 of 2025, we are ensuring that even when inflation projections sit at 3.4%, public servants on salary levels 1 to 12 receive a deemed increase that provides a meaningful cushion against the rising cost of living.

This is not merely an administrative update; it is a deliberate act of support for the men and women who serve the citizens of South Africa every day,” said Minister Buthelezi in a statement.

The 4% cost-of-living adjustment is for the 2026/2027 financial year, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) said.

While the National Treasury projected the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for 2026/27 at 3.4%, the collective agreement includes a “floor” and “ceiling” mechanism.

“Because the projected CPI was below 4%, the resolution mandates that the increase be deemed 4%. The adjustment is a pensionable salary increase for all qualifying staff,” the DPSA said.

The directive specifically covers employees appointed under the Public Service Act, 1994. 

Certain groups are excluded from this specific circular, as their adjustments are handled by their respective Executive Authorities:
– Senior Management Service (SMS): Salary levels 13 to 16 will be addressed once the level 1–12 process is finalised.
– Sectoral Personnel: Employees under the South African Police Services Act, Employment of Educators Act, South African Defence Act, and Correctional Services Act.
– NPA Personnel: Those employed under the National Prosecuting Authority Act.

Beyond the standard salary scales, the circular addresses several other critical areas of public service remuneration:
– Pay Progression: Qualifying employees will receive pay progression for the 2025/26 performance cycle starting 1 July 2026.
– Interns and Developmental Programmes: Departments must ensure stipends for interns are adjusted to match the new salary scales effective 1 April 2026.
– Casual Workers: Hourly and daily rates for contract or casual employees must be calculated using a specific formula.
– Sessional Rates: Revised rates for healthcare and social service professionals (Nurses, Social Workers, Medical Officers, etc.) are included in the new appendices.

“Beyond the immediate salary scales, we are placing significant emphasis on the future of our workforce by ensuring that intern stipends and developmental programmes are adjusted in tandem with these new scales as we forge ahead in building a capable, ethical and developmental state,” said the Minister. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is reforming and strengthening the criminal justice system, rooting out corruption and building a police service and a prosecuting authority in which people can have trust and confidence.

“We call on all South Africans to be part of this work, to build communities, homes, schools and workplaces that are safe and secure,” President Ramaphosa said.

Speaking at the national Freedom Day celebration held at Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Mangaung, President Ramaphosa said government is using the day to reflect, renew and reaffirm government’s commitment to the social contract entered into 32 years ago.

Freedom Day 2026 is commemorated under the theme: “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship”.

“This is a compact that demands active citizenship, democratic oversight and a State that delivers justice, services, opportunity and dignity in return for public trust,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said the Government of National Unity is determined to drive inclusive growth and job creation, reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living, and build a capable, ethical and developmental State.

“This means we must address and overcome the many challenges facing South Africans today. Failing water infrastructure, collapsing municipalities and deteriorating services are not mere inconveniences. They directly affect the quality of daily life. They constrain the growth of businesses and the creation of jobs.

“Our resolve to strengthen local government provides an opportunity to transform municipalities, making them better run, more efficient and more responsive to the needs of our people,” the President said.

Transforming lives

President Ramaphosa said in the 32 years of democracy, South Africa has built a progressive constitutional democracy firmly anchored in the rule of law, with an independent judiciary that serves as a guardian of the rights of all.

“We have expanded access to healthcare, housing, education, water and electricity on an unprecedented scale.” 

President Ramaphosa said government has also transformed the education system that was used to perpetuate oppression to ensure universal access to education by introducing no-fee schools to expand access to education to children from poor households.

“Our National School Nutrition Programme feeds more than nine million learners every single day. Through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, we have made tertiary education accessible to students from low-income households.”

The President said since the dawn of democracy, government has steadily worked to expand access to quality health care for all.

“We have built clinics and hospitals, provided free health care to pregnant women and young children, reduced child mortality and increased life expectancy.

“Now we are working together to establish the National Health Insurance so that every person in this country has equal access to quality health care, regardless of their ability to pay.

“We are making progress on land reform, restoring land to many of those dispossessed since the introduction of the 1913 Natives Land Act and continuing to support its productive use.”   

The President said 32 years ago, more than 20 million South Africans participated in the first democratic election that was peaceful, free and fair.

President Ramaphosa said it is an honour to mark that occasion in Bloemfontein, where the flame of freedom was lit.

“It was here in Mangaung that the African National Congress was born in 1912, bringing together for the first time people from across our country to stand against oppression and dispossession.”

President Ramaphosa said the Free State is a province that suffered the cruelty of colonialism and apartheid.

“Here in Bloemfontein and in towns across the province, tens of thousands of Afrikaners and Africans were held in inhuman conditions in British concentration camps during the Anglo-Boer War. 

 “Many thousands, mostly women and children, died. Their suffering stands as a shared, though unevenly remembered, chapter of South Africa’s past, one that calls for remembrance, honesty and humanity. This is a province with a history of courageous resistance.

“Women from the then Orange Free State were among the first to rise against the extension of pass laws in 1913, with protests breaking out in Jagersfontein, Winburg and Bloemfontein. 

“They were arrested and imprisoned and their families were left without caregivers. Instead of being broken, the women of the Orange Free State became more determined because they would not accept a system that denied them dignity and freedom,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said it was the people of the Free State province that took Mama Winnie Mandela into their hearts and gave her comfort when she was banished to Brandfort in 1977.

“When Mama Winnie Mandela was banished to Brandfort, the apartheid rulers thought they were isolating her and breaking her spirit and influence. 

“The people of Brandfort here in the Free State did something remarkable: they did not let that voice fade. They carried it. They strengthened it. And they made it their own. They united in compassion and that became stronger than the system of a apartheid itself.” 

President Ramaphosa said 30 years ago, the Constitution of the Republic was signed into law and became the “birth certificate” of the nation.   

“Our Constitution, which is widely regarded around the world as one of the most progressive, visionary and influential constitutions ever adopted, is a powerful promise about freedom and stands as our collective shield protecting the freedom our people fought for.

“We stand here today not only as citizens of a democratic nation, but as custodians of a hard-won legacy of freedom — a legacy won in struggle. A legacy shaped by sacrifice, courage and an unbreakable belief in in freedom and justice,” the President said.

Celebrating democracy

In her welcome remarks, Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae said Freedom Day is an important day in the history of South Africa.

“This day ushered in a new dawn, It was the day when South Africans showed their determination for a new government.”

Letsoha-Mathae said since the President’s visit to the province in December, much has been done to improve people’s lives.

“We have doubled our efforts to improve people’s lives.”

The Freedom Day celebration was attended by senior government officials, Cabinet Ministers, politicians and members of the public, who came in their numbers. 

Freedom Day 2026 marks the 32nd anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections held on 27 April 1994 and stands as a testament to the country’s journey towards democracy, justice, equality and human dignity.

The commemoration highlights three decades since the adoption of the Constitution and underscores the importance of constitutional supremacy, the rule of law, and democratic citizenship in shaping South Africa’s future.

This year’s national event takes place within the context of several significant national milestones, including the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, 70 years since the Women’s March if 1956, and 50 years since the Soweto youth uprising.

These milestones continue to shape South Africa’s democratic journey by inspiring continued transformation. – SAnews.gov.za

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Communities in and around Bloemfontein in the Free State have gathered at the Dr Rantlai Molemele Stadium in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality for the national Freedom Day celebrations.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will give the keynote address at the stadium.

Similar celebrations are being held in all provinces throughout the country, led by the Premiers.

Freedom Day 2026 marks the 32nd anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections held on 27 April 1994, and stands as a testament to the country’s journey towards democracy, justice, equality and human dignity.

Freedom Day 2026 is commemorated under the theme: “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship”.

The commemoration highlights three decades since the adoption of the Constitution and underscores the importance of constitutional supremacy, the rule of law, and democratic citizenship in shaping South Africa’s future.

Freedom Month provides an opportunity for South Africans to reflect on the gains of democracy, honour the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, and recommit to building a united, inclusive and just society. 

It also serves as a platform to promote active citizenship, deepen understanding of constitutional rights and strengthen social cohesion, particularly among young people.

SAnews spoke to Seipate Moeti from Botshabelo, who reflected on the importance of this year’s Freedom Day celebrations.

“To me, celebrating Freedom Day means a lot. We fought for our freedom. Today South Africa is a free country. Unfortunately many paid a heavy price for our freedom.” 

Moeti called on all South Africans to take part in Freedom Day celebrations in their provinces. “Celebrating our Freedom Day is something big to us.”

Echoing Moeti’s sentiments, Israel Molantoa said many lost their lives in the struggle for freedom.

“Today as South Africans, we are enjoying the benefits of our freedom,” Molantoa said.

This year’s national event takes place within the context of several significant national milestones, including the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, 70 years since the Women’s March of 1956, and 50 years since the Soweto youth uprising.

These milestones continue to shape South Africa’s democratic journey by inspiring continued transformation.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie continues the Ministerial Outreach Programme in Bloemfontein investing in young talent, inclusion and community development through sport. 

The Minister is expected to handover two multipurpose sport facilities to two schools in Bloemfontein prior to commencement of the Freedom Day celebration. – SAnews.gov.za

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