Category: South Africa Government

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has called for a decisive shift from policy commitments to implementation as South Africa chairs the Southern African Development Community (SADC) amid growing global uncertainty.  

Delivering closing remarks at an interdepartmental workshop on the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020 – 2030 at the O.R. Tambo Building in Pretoria on Friday, Lamola said the region’s primary challenge was no longer a lack of frameworks, but the failure to effectively execute them.

“The feedback I have received confirms that the SADC region is not constrained by a lack of frameworks, vision or institutional architecture. The core challenge is implementation,” he said.

The workshop, supported by the European Union and the SADC Secretariat, brought together senior government officials, representatives of State-owned enterprises, development finance institutions and senior officials from the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana, to develop a strategy and identify priorities for South Africa’s chairship of SADC. 

The workshop also reflected on the implementation of the SADC RISDP in order to foster synergies with South Africa’s national development frameworks, National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 and the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) and priorities.

Lamola said discussions over the past two and a half days had focused on assessing performance, identifying constraints and proposing practical interventions aligned with the RISDP, whose implementation currently stands at just over 60%.

“This requires a decisive shift from policy articulation to disciplined execution, and from broad commitments to focused, high-impact priorities,” he said.

He warned that South Africa would assume the regional leadership role at a time of “considerable global uncertainty”, with geopolitical and economic developments placing added pressure on the region.

“We cannot afford to be passive observers, while some states reshape the global order in ways that risk reversing gains achieved over decades in international law, global trade, peace and security, food security and ocean governance,” Lamola said.

Among the challenges facing the region are slow domestication of protocols, limited enforcement mechanisms and reliance on external financing, alongside climate vulnerability, debt pressures and exposure to external shocks.

Lamola noted that intra-regional trade remains between 19% and 23%, while manufacturing contributes just over 12% to regional GDP. Indicators, he said, must inform planning and prioritisation during South Africa’s tenure.

He also highlighted the need to strengthen public support for regional integration, warning that low awareness and rising anti-migrant sentiment could undermine progress.

Citing Afrobarometer findings, Lamola said while six in ten South Africans support easier trade with other countries, awareness of key continental initiatives remains low.

“Only 12 per cent of South Africans interviewed had heard of the African Continental Free Trade Area. This means that more than 80 per cent of our citizens were unaware of one of the continent’s most important economic integration projects,” he said.

He condemned recent acts of violence and intimidation against migrants, stressing that such actions have no place in a constitutional democracy.

“Acts of lawlessness, intimidation and violence against migrant communities have no place in our constitutional democracy. Acts of violence constitute a threat to our constitutional order,” Lamola said.

Looking ahead, Lamola urged officials to confront two key questions: how to build public confidence in regional integration, and how to navigate an increasingly unstable global environment.

“This places upon us both a responsibility and an opportunity: to provide steady leadership during a period of transition, and to shape regional integration in a manner that is practical, responsive and focused on implementation,” he said. 

SADC consists of 16 Member States, including South Africa. On 07 November 2025, South Africa was elected as interim Chair of SADC until August 2026, where it will be elected as Chair until August 2027. – SAnews.gov.za 

As South Africa commemorates Freedom Month, government has emphasised the importance of reflecting on South Africa’s democratic journey while fostering intergenerational understanding of the country’s history.

Speaking at a dialogue ahead of the commemorations for Freedom Day, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Deputy Director-General for Corporate Services, Mandisa Tshikwatamba, reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening democracy through public dialogues.

“Government has placed particular emphasis on youth, noting that many South Africans born after 1994 have no lived experience of apartheid. As a result, intergenerational dialogue remains critical to ensuring that younger citizens understand the country’s past and the significance of its democratic transition,” Tshikwatamba said on Friday in Mangaung, Free State.

The initiative encourages citizens to discuss the origins of South Africa’s freedom and the progress made since the advent of democracy in 1994.

The dialogue takes place under the theme: “Freedom and the Rule of Law – Threats and Solutions,” which marks three decades since the adoption of the country’s Constitution in 1996.

Freedom Month commemorates South Africa’s transition from apartheid to a democratic society and marks the country’s first democratic elections in 1994. 

Tshikwatamba said this period provides an opportunity to reflect on progress made in expanding rights and opportunities while acknowledging ongoing challenges.

Since 1994, South Africa has made significant strides in improving the lives of its people. 

“Government remains committed to building an inclusive, participatory democracy and ensuring that every voice is heard.

“These platforms are about ensuring that, from generation to generation, we continue to reflect on how we gained our freedom and how it came about. As we speak about rights, we must also emphasise responsibilities,” she said.

Tshikwatamba added that democracy requires active participation and accountability from all citizens. 

“This engagement aims to create a platform for meaningful dialogue between the government, young people, and community leadership,” she said. 

Through continued engagement with citizens in both small and large forums, government aims to strengthen democratic participation and ensure that the gains of freedom are preserved for future generations. –SAnews.gov.za

The Electoral Commission of South Africa says preparations for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) in KwaZulu-Natal are well advanced, with significant progress made in staffing, training, and voter registration planning.

Addressing the media in Durban, following the conclusion of a week-long stakeholder engagement programme held in the province, the Commission reported that 9 268 of the 9 948 electoral staff positions have been filled, representing 93% of required capacity.

Recruitment for the remaining 680 posts is ongoing, while training programmes for appointed staff have already started to ensure full operational readiness ahead of the registration weekend, with a focus on efficiency, compliance, and service mindedness at voting stations.

“Following the handover of final wards to the Commission by the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) in December 2025, the realignment of the voting district (VD) boundaries to the new ward boundaries commenced in January and has been concluded in 40 out of 44 municipalities. 

A total of 424 out of 901 wards in the province were impacted by ward boundary changes, which affected 606 VD boundaries across the province,” the Commission reported.

The Commission added that the assessment of the impact of ward boundary changes on VD boundaries in the four outstanding municipalities will commence once the final wards are received from the MDB.

To address these changes, the Commission will roll out targeted communication and registration (TCR) from 9 to 11 May 2026 to assist affected voters in updating their registration details.

Voter education initiatives are also underway, including the School Democracy Focus Week running from 20 to 30 April, with 98 schools already reached to promote civic awareness among learners.

KwaZulu-Natal is expected to see a competitive electoral contest, with 15 political parties currently operational in the province out of 520 registered nationally.

The Commission has encouraged eligible voters to use its online self-service platform to register or update their details ahead of the elections. 

A voter registration weekend is scheduled for 20–21 June, although online registration remains available at all times.

“In the upcoming elections, voters must ensure that they are registered where they live, as they will vote in the ward where they are registered,” the Commission said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has welcomed stakeholders’ strong commitment in KwaZulu-Natal to strengthen electoral democracy, enhance voter participation and ensure peaceful Local Government Elections.

The collective commitment follows the successful conclusion of a week-long stakeholder engagement programme held in the province from 20 – 24 April.

The engagement formed a critical part of the Commission’s preparations for the upcoming elections.

The engagement also responded directly to the findings of the 2026 Human Sciences Research Council’s Voter Participation Survey (VPS), which provides the Commission with an important barometer of public sentiment ahead of elections.

“This yardstick of public sentiment captures the national picture, whilst disaggregating provincial data,” Commission chairperson, Mosotho Moepya, said during a media briefing on Friday.

Highlights of the study

In KwaZulu-Natal, the findings painted a sobering picture, with a sharp decline in public confidence in democracy.

“The study highlights declining trust in key political institutions, growing political disengagement, and rising voter disillusionment. KZN is among the provinces recording the sharpest decline in confidence in democracy.

“These trends underscore why the Commission’s presence in the province this week has been both necessary and urgent,” Moepya said.

The survey highlights a sharp decline in public confidence in democracy in KwaZulu-Natal, with satisfaction levels dropping from 54% in 2004 to just 6% in 2025, compared to a national decline from 65% in the 2000s to 36%.

“While most adults continue to support democratic values, many feel that democracy is not working well in practice,” the study revealed.

It also revealed high dissatisfaction in the province’s economy, with 88% people unhappy about current conditions.

According to the study, the same proportion expect the economy to worsen in the next five years.

“Sixty percent say life in their communities has worsened over the last five years.”

Trust in institutions, including the Electoral Commission, is also lowest in the province at 20%, compared to a national average of 32%.

Despite this, the Commission noted encouraging signs, with 76% of adults in the province indicating an intention to vote if elections were held imminently, and 69% affirming voting as a civic duty.

Recognising that the forthcoming Local Government Elections will be highly contested, the Commission said efforts to improve voter turnout must address widespread public disillusionment, declining trust in institutions, and concerns about electoral integrity.

“Strengthening confidence in the Electoral Commission through consistent, transparent performance, while enhancing clear and proactive communication, particularly through the media, can help counter negative perceptions, address fears of irregularities, and reinforce the importance of active and peaceful citizen participation,” the chairperson said.

Key activities and outcomes of the week

A key highlight of the visit was an engagement with King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, who pledged support for the Commission’s work and committed to encouraging voter registration and participation in the upcoming elections in a peaceful, respectful and responsible manner.

The Commission also met with provincial leadership, including the Premier, political parties such as the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), the National Freedom Party (NFP), the African National Congress (ANC), and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)., as well as civil society, faith-based organisations and the security cluster.

The Commission said meetings with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Umkhonto We Sizwe Party (MKP) are being rearranged to more suitable dates.

“These engagements reaffirmed the importance of collaboration in strengthening electoral integrity, enhancing voter education, and building public confidence.,” Moepya said.

Stakeholders raised concerns about electoral fairness, misinformation and barriers to participation, particularly in rural and marginalised communities. Delays in the demarcation process in municipalities including eThekwini, Inkosi Langalibalele, Alfred Duma and uMkhambathini, were also flagged as challenges.

The Commission said engagements with the security cluster confirmed readiness to ensure a safe electoral environment, including the capacity to investigate and prosecute election-related offences.

Across all engagements, key priorities included rebuilding trust in democratic institutions; shared commitment to peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections; intensifying voter education, especially among young people, and combating misinformation and strengthen communication efforts.

“The Commission’s visit to the province was to listen, to engage and to work collaboratively with stakeholders to rebuild trust, strengthen participation, and ensure a conducive environment for free and fair elections,” Moepya said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

By Moahlodi Maphori 
Government continues to work relentlessly to address South Africa’s triple challenge of unemployment, inequality, and poverty. These persistent challenges have detrimental effects on the country’s prospects for economic growth and remain a critical barrier to social cohesion and expanded economic opportunity. 

The father of our nation, former President Nelson Mandela, reminded us of the kind of society we were striving to build when he said: “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.” It is this ideal that compels government to take decisive action by implementing practical interventions aimed at tackling deeply rooted societal challenges. 

The reality is that without jobs, the economy will not grow. What is therefore required from government is the intensification and coordination of efforts across all sectors of society to address the persistent challenge of unemployment. Those with financial muscle must make it their business to invest in job creation, education, innovation, and skills development. In doing so they help to grow the economy and unlock meaningful economic opportunities for others. 

With the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, artificial intelligence is already reshaping what jobs exist, the skills they require, and what it means to be productive. This has necessitated government action to bridge the gap between education, skills development, and economic opportunities by empowering citizens with information to better understand which courses and qualifications are relevant to current economic demand. Career Expos have been held across the country to enlighten students on career pathways that are in line with the emerging new technologies and markets. 

The Just Energy Transition is creating new demand for artisans, technicians, and engineers in sectors that did not exist in their current form just five years ago. The green economy is growing, as is the platform economy, which introduces new forms of work that differ from traditional employment models.  

All of these new frontiers provide greater opportunities for employment, and this necessitates appropriate qualifications, protections, and opportunities for advancement. 

As the economy shifts away from coal, oil, and gas, new technologies and industries are emerging, driving demand for skills that were previously less relevant. The renewable energy infrastructure in the Northern Cape is not merely an abstract policy objective, but a visible source of employment and opportunity within local communities. Beyond formal employment, these new skills also create space for small businesses focused on installation, maintenance, supply, and energy services within a growing value chain. 

At the centre of government’s Medium Term Development Plan is a strong focus on tackling unemployment. This priority is aligned with the objectives outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the 2026 State of the Nation Address, which emphasised inclusive growth, poverty reduction, improved living standards, and the building of a capable, ethical, and developmental state. In the third quarter of the 202/26 financial year, government through the President Youth Employment Intervention continued to see great progress made in unlocking opportunities for young people in the country.  

Encouragingly, government has increased direct engagement with stakeholders, calling for a coordinated approach to advancing South Africa’s development and transformation agenda. The recent South Africa Investment Conference 2026 underscored this progress, securing 81 privatesector investment commitments valued at R415 billion. 

These investments span all nine provinces and originate from 22 markets across five continents. While they inject much-needed economic activity into local communities, their true value lies in their potential to create jobs. Realising this potential, however, depends on a critical factor: skills. Infrastructure investment alone does not generate employment at scale people do. A skilled workforce is essential to design, build, operate and sustain these projects, ensuring that investment translates into meaningful and lasting job creation. 

Government cannot build a capable, ethical, and developmental state in isolation. As Madiba reminds that success depends on strong collaboration between industry, colleges, universities, and sector bodies to ensure that skills programmes remain relevant and lead directly to sustainable work opportunities. If we are serious about tackling unemployment, we must work together across sectors and generations to empower our people with skills, dignity, and real economic opportunity. Together, let us build a nation that works for all. 

*Maphori is Acting Economic Cluster Support Coordinator at the Government Communication and Information System 
–SAnews.gov.za 
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on world leaders and governments to take deliberate collective action to address global inequality.

The President addressed the Global Inequality Dialogue in Johannesburg on Friday, the second meeting of the founding International Panel on Inequality (IPI), founded during South Africa’s Group Twenty (G20) Presidency.

“The decision to establish the Panel is one of the most consequential outcomes of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, held in Johannesburg, in November last year.

“This decision arose from an appreciation by leaders from across the world that inequality severely constrains social and economic development,” President Ramaphosa said.

Inequality stops progress

Inequality remains one of the most pressing global challenges, exacerbating poverty, social instability, democratic fragility, health inequities and climate vulnerability with particular impact in the Global South.

President Ramaphosa described the scourge as the “greatest threat to human progress”. 

“It retards human development and progress because where inequality exists, opportunity is scarce. Where opportunity is scarce, potential is wasted. And where potential is wasted, progress is not just slowed – it is stopped.

“Inequality literally entrenches poverty across generations. It results in one’s starting point in life being a handicap and results in inferior schooling, nutrition, lack of networks that make upward mobility difficult or impossible. This prevents humanity’s progress,” he said.

Pointing to the findings of the Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Inequality led by Professor Joseph Stiglitz during South Africa’s G20 Presidency, the President noted the consequences inequality has on all fronts. 

“Drawing on extensive evidence and a broad range of views, the [Extraordinary Committee’s] report outlines in clear and precise terms the scale, drivers and consequences of rising inequality.

“It is astounding that between 2000 and 2024, the richest 1% of people in the world captured 41% of all new wealth. The poorer half of humanity captured just 1% of new wealth. The committee’s report provided evidence that inequality is a threat to democratic freedoms, to economic growth and to general well-being.

“It would be a mistake to think that inequality is bad only for the poor. Inequality threatens the stability of societies and the sustainability of economies. It worsens the effects of climate disasters and steadily makes the planet less inhabitable for all people. The Extraordinary Committee was correct when it said that the world is facing an inequality emergency,” he reflected.

Call for global action

President Ramaphosa highlighted that despite the challenge that inequality presents, the International Panel on Inequality represents a “concrete opportunity to confront this emergency”.

“It is an opportunity to bring together governments and peoples from different countries to help the world to understand and address inequality. No nation can overcome inequality alone. We need coordinated multilateral action, rooted in solidarity and shared responsibility.

“We need a collective architecture of reform, credible monitoring and actionable insights to guide governments, multilateral agencies, academia and civil society,” he said.

The President noted that at the 4th meeting of the ‘In Defence of Democracy’ initiative held in Barcelona last weekend, world leaders recognised that inequality is a serious challenge to democracies.

He added that the leaders welcomed “coordination with international initiatives addressing inequality and social cohesion, specifically mentioning the International Panel on Inequality”.

“The Panel will therefore begin its work amid a gathering groundswell of global activism for a more inclusive, equal and just world. It will provide the rigorous analysis and credible evidence that is needed to ensure that this sentiment is translated into actions that fundamentally and sustainably reduce inequality within and between countries.

“That is why the work of this Consultative Council is so important. All those gathered here, from South Africa and across the world, are expected to propose an agenda for the first wave of work of the International Panel on Inequality.

“The Consultative Council is expected to identify the critical areas for focus within four key themes taken from the original report: the scale and dimensions of inequality, drivers of inequality, consequences of inequality and finally policy options,” President Ramaphosa said.

He called on governments and all world leaders to “actively support the establishment of the Panel as a permanent international body”.

“Once established, once equipped and supported, this International Panel will be one of the most effective instruments the global community has to direct efforts to substantially reduce inequality.

“But we must recognise that the panel can only take us so far. As communities, as social formations, as governments and as multilateral institutions, it is up to us to take forward the struggle for more equal societies and for a just and inclusive global order.

“The International Panel on Inequality can provide the evidence we need. It can develop the analysis and make the policy recommendations. But it is up to all of us to act, to act together and to act with great urgency,” the President urged.

President Ramaphosa closed on a note of measured optimism.

“We establish this International Panel knowing that inequality is deepening.

“We do so out of grave concern for the quality of lives of billions of people and the prospects for meaningful human progress. Yet, although the challenges are great, we see a rising tide of activism and a renewed determination across the world to confront and overcome this crisis of inequality.

“As we undertake the important preparatory work to put this International Panel in place, we are full of hope and expectation. We are convinced that through our collective efforts we are firmly on the path towards a better, more just and more equal world,” the President concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, has confirmed the immediate dismissal of seven additional officials following the conclusion of disciplinary processes into various cases of misconduct.

In a statement on Friday, the department also announced that an additional16 officials have been suspended as part of ongoing disciplinary action, including cases arising from findings emanating from the interim investigation report by released by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

The latest dismissals bring the total number of officials dismissed since the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in July 2024 to 63.

The department said the actions form part of an ongoing crackdown on corruption, maladministration and unethical conduct, undertaken in collaboration with the SIU and other law enforcement agencies.

Since July 2024, the department has initiated a total of 95 misconduct cases related to various irregularities, of which 75 have been finalised. 

This reflects the department’s intensified and consistent approach to consequence management, ensuring that all cases are dealt with decisively and without undue delay.

He added that the department continues to strengthen its internal controls and oversight mechanisms to act against wrongdoing.

“These efforts are yielding measurable progress in restoring integrity to Home Affairs operations. The decisive pace at which the department now processes disciplinary matters, resulting in ongoing dismissals and other disciplinary action, demonstrates our unwavering commitment to cleaning up the damage done to Home Affairs over many years.

“Our zero-tolerance approach does not rely on words – it is demonstrated an ongoing concrete action to rebuild the rule of law in a department that is fundamental to the functioning of our society,” Schreiber said.

He added that the department’ message remains clear on both accountability and reform.

“We will continue to empower and reward the many officials in Home Affairs who are working diligently to implement our digital transformation agenda to deliver dignity for all, while dealing decisively and immediately with anyone found guilty of corruption, fraud or misconduct,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has successfully disbursed allowances amounting to R621 million to 203 653 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students, in line with its commitment of 17 April 2026.  

The disbursement forms part of NSFAS’s ongoing efforts to ensure efficient and timely payments, supporting uninterrupted teaching and learning across institutions of higher education.

In a statement on Thursday, NSFAS reported that during its routine review and verification processes, 12 000 students who did not qualify for inclusion in this payment cycle were identified. This was due to data exchange inconsistencies between colleges and NSFAS systems.

The scheme said it is working closely with affected institutions to resolve these discrepancies and will determine whether a supplementary payment run is necessary once corrections are finalised.

“NSFAS is actively assisting all affected colleges in reviewing and correcting student records. Regional working sessions with college staff commenced [this week], with priority given to resolving outstanding data issues. Upon receipt of verified and corrected data, we encourage institutions to expedite data correction to ensure eligible students are included in upcoming disbursements,” NSFAS said.

To prevent further disruptions, NSFAS has implemented enhanced support measures, including the deployment of specialist teams to colleges across the provinces to assist with resolving outstanding data issues.

“We are [also] strengthening collaboration with all institutions to ensure accurate and timely data submission, which is critical for efficient allowance disbursement and to prevent future delays.”

NSFAS reaffirmed its commitment to enabling uninterrupted teaching and learning and urged all colleges to prioritise data review and correction to ensure prompt payment to all eligible students.

“NSFAS values the partnership with stakeholders and remains committed to the principles of transparency, accountability, and student-centred service delivery. We appreciate the cooperation and patience of all parties as we work towards a swift resolution,” the scheme said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Special Tribunal has set aside the R85 million tender for the construction of a concrete barrier wall along the KwaZulu‑Natal and Mozambique border.

According to the Special Investigating Unit which probed the contract, the tender was awarded to the ISF Shula Joint Venture and commissioned by the KZN Transport Department.

“The wall was commissioned…in response to community concerns about rampant cross-border crime, particularly the smuggling and trafficking of stolen and hijacked vehicles into Mozambique.

“Instead of delivering on this urgent public safety measure, the Joint Venture submitted fraudulent documents, failed to meet mandatory requirements and left the project incomplete despite receiving R84 million,” the SIU said in a statement.

The corruption busting unit investigated the tender and found:

• Only 5.29km of the planned 8km wall was erected, forcing the department to tender for another company to complete the wall at an additional cost of R62 million;
• A fraudulent B-BBEE certificate was used to secure the tender;
• An expired Letter of Good Standing;
• Non-compliance with financial capacity requirements.

“The Tribunal’s ruling underscores the constitutional imperative that government procurement must be fair, transparent, competitive, and cost‑effective. The SIU will now pursue recovery of the monies paid, ensuring that public funds are restored to the state.

“As part of the order, ISF Shula Joint Venture has been directed to repay all profits it derived from the contract to the SIU. An independent expert will be appointed by ISF Shula Joint Venture to determine the amount of these profits.

“The SIU will review the findings, and if there is a dispute, the matter will be referred back to the Tribunal for determination. Furthermore, ISF Shula Joint Venture has been ordered to pay the legal costs,” the SIU said.

The unit highlighted that the judgement sends a “clear message that fraudulent certificates, misrepresentation, and incomplete delivery will not be rewarded”.

“The SIU will continue to act decisively to protect the integrity of public procurement and restore public trust.

“The SIU was mandated by Proclamation R.16 of 2021 the President. It directed the SIU to investigate allegations relating to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport between 13 July 2016 and 7 May 2021, including the lawfulness and validity of the border wall tender awarded to the ISF Shula Joint Venture.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za