Category: South Africa Government

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is today convening a three-day High-Level Inter-Departmental Workshop to develop a strategy and identify priorities for South Africa’s Chairship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). 

The workshop brings together senior government officials, representatives from state-owned enterprises, development finance institutions, and officials from the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana.

Discussions will include a review of the implementation of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, with a view to aligning it with South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 and Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP). 

The engagement aims to ensure coherence between national priorities and regional commitments, while strengthening coordination ahead of South Africa’s upcoming SADC Chairship.

Specifically, the workshop will seek to achieve the following objectives:

• Development of South Africa’s strategy and priorities for its SADC Chairship;
• Development of a well-coordinated strategy for the implementation of the RISDP 2020-2030;
• Deepening understanding among government senior officials of the SADC Vision 2050;
• Fostering alignment between South Africa’s national priorities and regional obligations;
• Raising awareness of RISDP Mid-Term Review outcomes and how these should be mainstreamed in South Africa’s Chairship Strategy; and
• Promotion of a whole-of-government approach to South Africa’s SADC Chairship

SADC is a regional intergovernmental organisation that was formed in August 1992 in Namibia (Windhoek) to advance the struggle against colonialism, Apartheid and the promotion of deeper economic integration, peace and security.

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

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Annual Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) has increased, expanding from 3.0% in February to 3.1% in March.

This according to Statistics South Africa’s (Stats SA) monthly CPI findings released on Wednesday morning.

Stats SA said the main contributors to the 3.1% rate were:

• housing and utilities (5,1% and contributing 1,2 percentage points); 
• food and non-alcoholic beverages (3,6% and contributing 0,6 of a percentage point), and
• insurance and financial services (4,6% and contributing 0,5 of a percentage point)

“In March 2026, the annual inflation rate for goods was 1.8%, down from 1.9% in February 2026, and services were 4.2%, up from 3,8% in February 2026,” Stats SA said in brief key findings. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has identified high-risk areas across all provinces to ramp up coordinated, intelligence-led law enforcement operations over the next two long weekends, as traffic volumes are expected to rise.

Authorities will increase the visibility of police patrols to ensure motorists comply with road rules.

With Freedom Day falling on Monday, 27 April 2026, and Workers’ Day on Friday, 1 May 2026, within the same week, a surge in travel — including interprovincial trips — is expected. This will likely lead to higher traffic volumes on national routes, elevating the risk of crashes and fatalities.

Key routes expected to experience heavy traffic and congestion include the N1, N2, N3, N4 and R61.

Pedestrian activity is also anticipated to increase, particularly around entertainment venues and areas hosting special events. According to the RTMC, pedestrian safety remains a significant concern, with pedestrian-vehicle collisions accounting for 43% of road fatalities.

“The top 10 districts or municipalities contributing the highest number of pedestrian crashes and fatalities have been identified. These are the City of Johannesburg, eThekwini, City of Cape Town, Ekurhuleni, City of Tshwane, Nkangala, Bojanala, Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande and Sekhukhune,” the RTMC said.

These districts account for about 46% of fatal crashes and 44% of road deaths.

High-risk routes within these areas have been earmarked for targeted enforcement and intensified monitoring.

Authorities will also enforce public transport safe stop zones to discourage operators from dropping off passengers in unsafe areas.

“Motorists are urged to remain patient and vigilant, especially near residential areas and informal settlements.Pedestrians are advised not to walk on roads while under the influence of alcohol, to avoid highways, to use pedestrian bridges on busy freeways, and to wear bright clothing at night,” the RTMC said. –SAnews.gov.za

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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has handed over 300 digital devices to unemployed youth, marking a key step in the province’s efforts to equip young people with skills for the digital economy.

The beneficiaries, drawn from Zululand, King Cetshwayo and Mkhanyakude Districts, will undergo specialised training in cybersecurity and technopreneurship – fields identified as critical for addressing unemployment and meeting the growing demand for digital expertise.

The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDPSETA) and the South African Public Colleges Organisation, as part of the Youth Skills Training Programme, which runs from 2025 to 2030.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony at the Old Ulundi Legislature Building on Tuesday, Ntuli emphasised the importance of aligning skills development with industry needs, noting that the programme responds directly to the province’s commitment to empower young people with relevant, future-fit skills.

“This initiative is about more than just handing over devices; it is about unlocking opportunities, restoring hope, and preparing our youth to actively participate in the economy,” Ntuli said.

He added that the programme is an investment in a generation expected to drive innovation, combat emerging challenges such as cybercrime, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.

The programme will train 300 unemployed youth, including 180 graduates in technopreneurship and 120 matriculants in cybersecurity. In addition, 85 people with disabilities will benefit from targeted training in furniture making and new venture creation, ensuring inclusivity in skills development.

Ntuli said the intervention forms part of a broader provincial strategy to support the needs of young people who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET), with a focus on practical, technical and entrepreneurial skills over traditional academic pathways alone.

The selection of beneficiaries was conducted in collaboration with district municipalities to ensure transparency and equitable representation from communities most in need of economic opportunities.

Training will be delivered by the South African Public Colleges Organisation (SAPCO), with programmes set to commence immediately following the handover. Participants will also receive stipends, with the first payments expected by 30 April 2026.

Ntuli reaffirmed the provincial government’s long-term commitment to youth empowerment, noting that the future of KwaZulu-Natal depends on equipping young people with the tools to succeed in an evolving digital world.

“This is just the beginning. Through partnerships and sustained investment in skills development, we are building a capable, confident and economically active generation that will shape the future of our province,” the Premier said.

The Premier acknowledged the role of partner organisations in supporting the initiative, commending their continued contribution to youth development in the province. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has scored a major victory in clawing back the money stolen at Eskom, securing a preservation order to freeze R76.5 million worth of real estate and a fleet of luxury cars linked to businessman Siyabonga Moses Goodwill Nkosi.

The order prevents the assets from being “sold, transferred, or hidden while the SIU seeks to set aside irregular contracts and recover public funds”.

An SIU investigation into Eskom – as authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa – revealed how officials at the power utility’s Kusile and Matla Power Stations allegedly “turned procurement into a jackpot”.

“Between 2021 and 2023, officials approved inflated and irregular purchase orders for relays, which are equipment meant to keep power stations running.

“Instead of delivering reliable service, Nkosi’s companies delivered invoices. Eskom officials signed off on contracts that priced relays at R50 000 each, when the market price was between R180 and R450. This manipulation resulted in a direct financial loss of R73 650 994.87 to Eskom,” the SIU explained.

Furthermore, officials at Eskom allegedly split the purchase orders in order to keep the transactions below the R1 million threshold and effectively “abusing the informal tendering system and bypassing formal procurement processes”.

“False part numbers were uploaded to Eskom’s systems to ensure only colluding vendors could bid, inflating costs for equipment that was never needed and remains unused in stock years later,” the SIU added.

The web of trusts

According to the SIU, Nkosi used the Nkosi Royal Trust, Sibongukukhanya Trust and Siyabonga Kankosi Trust – which he was trustee of – allegedly as conduits for laundering the stolen money and pouring it into prime properties in Gauteng, KwaZulu‑Natal and Mpumalanga.

The money was also alleged to have been used to purchase luxury vehicles, including Lamborghinis, Porsche Cayennes and a Porsche Panamera.

“This preservation order motivates the SIU to move towards approaching the Special Tribunal to review and set aside these contracts. The order allows for the SIU to launch proceedings within 60 days from the date of the order.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.

“The SIU is also authorised to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation and to recover financial losses suffered by the State, including funds paid for services not rendered,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The African Union Commission (AUC) is organising the 5th Ordinary Session of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Transport and Energy (STC-T&E), which will be held from 27 – 30 April 2026 in Johannesburg.

Chief Director at the Department of Electricity and Energy, Elizabeth Marabwa, said South Africa hosting the session demonstrates the country’s leadership role in driving continental development.

“It also provides an opportunity for us to showcase our progress in energy and transport, while facilitating collaboration among African countries. Importantly, it positions South Africa at the centre of discussions that will shape infrastructure investment and policy across the continent,” Marabwa said on Tuesday.

Speaking during an interview with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Marabwa said that the meeting will focus on several critical areas.

“Firstly, there will be a review of progress on the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), which is central to continental integration.

“Secondly, discussions will cover transport systems including aviation, rail, maritime and road transport aimed at improving connectivity, safety and sustainability,” Marabwa said.

On the energy front, Marabwa said there will be strong emphasis on renewable energy, energy market integration and initiatives such the African Single Electricity Market.

“There will also be discussions on emerging areas such as green hydrogen and clean energy transitions.” 

Marabwa said the meeting will begin with a two-day Experts’ Session from the 27 – 28 April, where technical experts will deliberate on detailed issues.

This will be followed by the Ministerial Session on 30 April, where Ministers will consider recommendations, provide strategic guidance, and adopt key decisions and declarations.

Marabwa explained that the meeting is about improving people’s lives.

“Better transport systems mean safer roads, more efficient travel and improved trade. Stronger energy systems mean more reliable electricity, increased access to clean energy and economic opportunities.

“While the discussions happen at a high level, the outcomes directly impact service delivery, job creation, and economic growth,” she said.

The STC-T&E is the Ministerial decision-making organ of the AU responsible for providing policy and strategic oversight for continental integration in the infrastructure sectors of transport and energy. 

It was established along with other similar sectoral organs initially as the Committee on Transport, Energy and Communications under Article 25 of the African Economic Community Treaty (the Abuja Treaty) in 1994 and subsequently, under Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Constitutive Act of the African Union in 2000. 

It was reconfigured into the STC on Transport, Transcontinental and Interregional Infrastructure, Energy and Tourism (STC-TTIIET) in 2009. 

Following the AU institutional reform process and the transfer of the Tourism function from the Department of Infrastructure and Energy (IED) to the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry, Mining (ETTIM), the STC was renamed as the STC on Transport and Energy through a decision of the AU Executive Council in February 2024.

In accordance with its Rules of Procedure, the STC meets in ordinary sessions biennially, while extraordinary sessions are convened on a need-basis to consider items requiring the urgent attention of the STC.  The STC has held four ordinary and three extraordinary sessions since 2017. – SAnews.gov.za

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By David Jacobs

As South Africa confronts long-term water security challenges, few projects illustrate the power of regional cooperation as clearly as the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). Rooted in a treaty signed between South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho in 1986, the LHWP stands as a flagship example of how shared natural resources can be harnessed for mutual benefit.

The project was conceived to secure reliable, high-quality water for South Africa—particularly Gauteng, the country’s economic heartland—while enabling Lesotho to generate hydropower, develop infrastructure, and unlock socio-economic opportunities. Importantly, the LHWP is not a unilateral intervention. It is a binational partnership, governed through shared institutions and implemented in phases to respond to growing demand and long-term sustainability.

Phase I of the project is already delivering 780 million cubic metres of water annually to South Africa through gravity-fed transfers that reduce energy costs and strengthen national water resilience. At the same time, Lesotho benefits from hydropower generation at the ’Muela Hydropower Station, infrastructure development, skills transfer, job creation and long-term royalties linked to water transfers.

Phase II deepens this cooperation. It includes the construction of the Polihali Dam and the Polihali–Katse Transfer Tunnel, which will increase water transfer volumes to 1 270 million cubic metres per annum. Enabling infrastructure such as the newly completed Senqu Bridge ensures uninterrupted access and connectivity for communities once the Polihali Reservoir is impounded, while also supporting economic participation and skills development.

Beyond water and energy, the LHWP demonstrates how regional partnerships—grounded in strong governance, fairness and shared responsibility—can deliver lasting development outcomes. As the project marks four decades of cooperation, it reminds us that sustainable solutions to complex challenges are achieved not in isolation, but through collaboration, trust and a shared vision for the future.

*David Jacobs is Chief Director: Cluster Communication and Stakeholder Management at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)

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The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has called for an action-driven and adequately funded adaptation and mitigation agenda to help developing economies tackle the climate crisis.

The Minister made these remarks while participating in the 17th Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin, Germany, which is taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“The Dialogue will offer South Africa a key platform to strengthen its commitment to climate action, promote fair solutions tailored to the distinct challenges of developing countries, and enhance global cooperation,” he said in a statement.

The event brings together high-level representatives from about 40 countries to discuss concrete steps to address the climate crisis and rebuild confidence in multilateral climate negotiations.

Discussions are focused on three key areas: mitigation — including efforts to close the gap to 1.5°C; climate finance and investment, particularly the implementation of the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for adaptation finance; and strengthening the multilateral climate regime to accelerate implementation.

These engagements are expected to help countries demonstrate balance and credibility by integrating adaptation action and finance into preparations for COP31 and the anticipated African COP32 next year.

The annual high-level conference serves as a bridge between successive United Nations climate conferences and focuses on advancing international cooperation and accelerating the transition to climate-neutral economies.

“For South Africa, the extent to which Parties successfully implement the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake will be judged by both the full execution of their Nationally Determined Contributions and the availability of financing to support mitigation and adaptation efforts in developing countries,” Aucamp said.

The Dialogue was established in 2010 by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel to help pave the way for negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

COP31 will be held in Antalya from 9 to 20 November 2026, with a focus on advancing green industrialisation, accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels, and finalising 2035 emission reduction targets.

The Petersberg Climate Dialogue Ministerial meeting provides an informal yet strategic platform for countries to deliberate on key issues under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, including the Global Goal on Adaptation, mitigation ambition, loss and damage, and the provision of international climate finance. – SAnews.gov.za

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Mokhotlong, Lesotho – Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has reaffirmed government’s commitment to long-term water security and infrastructure delivery, following an oversight visit to the Polihali Dam construction site and the Polihali Transfer Tunnel, where she toured the tunnel works following the launch of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). 

The visit formed part of activities linked to Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, a strategic bi-national initiative between South Africa and Lesotho aimed at augmenting water supply to the Gauteng region, while supporting hydropower generation in Lesotho.

Following the official TBM launch on Monday, Majodina conducted a site inspection at the Polihali Dam construction site, where she assessed construction progress and later descended into the tunnel, offering a rare, close-up view of the large-scale engineering work underway deep beneath the Maluti mountains.

Speaking to SAnews during the oversight visit, Majodina detailed the extent of work already completed and the progress made since her last visit in December 2025. 

She explained that her visit began with an inspection of supporting infrastructure, including the visitor centre and water systems that channel flow toward the reservoir and tunnel.

The Minister said these components are key to ensuring that water can be efficiently directed into the transfer system.

“I started at the visitors’ centre, where we developed some chalets for people who come to explore the mountains. Those chalets are done and dusted. When you are in those chalets, you are able to see where water comes from as it goes down to the wall of the Katse River… We’ve also launched the Polihali Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)… with a very big milestone, which is 38.5 kilometers,” the Minister told SAnews. 

She highlighted that the TBM is central to linking the Polihali and Katse Dam reservoirs, enabling the transfer of water through a gravity-fed system.

“When we were here in December, the machine on the side of Polihali was still going to be assembled, but the other side was done already. So you can’t transfer water through the tunnel if the two have not been joined together. 

“That is why I was saying this is an umbilical cord, which joins two countries, two nations. What is more important is we are increasing the capacity and the volume of water that goes to South Africa,” she told SAnews.

The Minister also addressed concerns about water supply challenges in South Africa, particularly in Gauteng. She emphasised that the water that government is trying to secure is in acknowledgement of the rapid expansion taking place in the province.

“…There’s economic growth, there’s population growth. You need more water. But the fundamental question in South Africa, across 257 municipalities and eight metros is the lack of maintenance and operation of water infrastructure. 

“That is why, every day, you’ll find water running down the street, instead of going to the tap. We don’t have a water crisis in terms of water resources. The water that we’re getting at the moment from Katse Dam is enough for us as South Africans, but we felt that we must make sure that we have water for the coming generations,” Majodina said. 

The Minister said the project goes beyond water delivery, pointing to wider development, including bridges, roads, schools, clinics and housing relocation programmes aimed at improving livelihoods in surrounding communities.

“That is why we’ll be here with the President and His Majesty the Prime Minister on Wednesday to hand over the Senqu Bridge – the most state-of-the-art bridge in the entire continent. There are human settlement relocation projects, some of which are [complete]… There’s lot of development that is happening here,” the Minister said.

Majodina further clarified the financial arrangements underpinning the project and community benefits.

She explained that South Africa pays royalties to the Lesotho government under a formal agreement, with funds distributed through the National Fiscus, which get distributed accordingly. She noted that only a small number of compensation cases remain outstanding and are being verified.

On progress, the Minister indicated that construction has advanced steadily, despite earlier delays.

“When I was here on 15 December 2025, they were standing at 53%. They are now standing at 58%. It therefore means there’s lot of work that has been done. Excavation takes long. Inclement weather also plays to the fore, but there’s lot of commitment. They work in shifts, and we are happy with what we are seeing,” the Minister said. 

She reaffirmed that both governments remain committed to completing the project on time and within budget. 

“There’s catch-up time to ensure that we complete the project on time and on budget. We go out to financial markets to get these funds through the TCTA [Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority]… We have to complete this Phase II,” the Minister said. 

Beyond water supply, the project is also expected to support agriculture and regional resilience. 

“There is water that we will reserve through Mohokare River. When there is a drought in the Free State [or] the Eastern Cape, we [will] release that water for irrigation and for farmers. So, it’s not all water that is going to Gauteng, but that water will also assist with irrigation,” the Minister explained. 

She emphasised that the project continues to benefit communities in Lesotho through employment, skills transfer and infrastructure development.

“The lives of Basotho people have changed. They might not have changed completely, but we have done our best in ensuring that as we implement this project, there is skills transfer and there are those who are mentored by the contractor, so that when we are no longer here on this project, they can maintain this project, because anything that is not maintained is going to collapse,” Majodina said. 

The Polihali Transfer Tunnel, a key component of Phase II, will ultimately increase water transfer to South Africa, while strengthening hydropower capacity in Lesotho, reinforcing one of the continent’s most significant examples of cross-border infrastructure cooperation. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has called for stronger, more accountable public leadership to drive gender equality, describing it as “a matter of life and death”, rather than a policy formality.

Speaking at the Public Leadership for Gender Equality (PL4GE) in South Africa dialogue, held at Riviera Lane in Krugersdorp, Johannesburg, on Tuesday, Chikunga emphasised that the gap between government commitments and real impact on women’s lives remains a critical challenge.

“Public leadership determines whether policies remain words on paper or become real change in people’s lives. It shapes how budgets are allocated, how services are delivered, and how accountability is enforced,” Chikunga said.

Hosted by the Global Center for Gender Equality and supported by the Gates Foundation, the dialogue marked the start of an engagement focused on advancing inclusive leadership and gender equality. It highlighted the need to strengthen public leadership for gender-responsive governance, and to accelerate efforts to end gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

Chikunga said leadership must move beyond rhetoric, highlighting the importance of integrating gender considerations into everyday decision-making processes, such as budgeting, infrastructure planning and service delivery.

She said leadership courage looks like a Director-General, who insists that every budget submission in their department is accompanied by a gender impact assessment.

“Leadership courage looks like a provincial head of department, who refuses to sign off on an infrastructure programme that has not considered the safety and accessibility needs of women and girls with disabilities.

“It looks like a municipal manager, who ensures that community consultations do not only happen in boardrooms during working hours but in spaces and at times where the women, who are most affected, can actually participate,” the Minister said.

The Minister also noted alarming findings from the South African National Gender-Based Violence Prevalence Study, conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), which revealed that more than a third of South African women have experienced physical violence in their lifetime, underlining the urgency of decisive leadership.

She also emphasised the need for intersectional approaches, noting that women with disabilities face significantly higher rates of violence.

Chikunga said programmes, such as the Public Leadership for Gender Equality initiative, are critical in transforming institutions and redistributing power more equitably within the public sector.

“Gender equality is not optional for public institutions. It is part of the core business of the State,” she said.

The workshop forms part of broader government efforts aligned with the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which identifies gender-based violence as a national crisis.

Chikunga urged participants to translate lessons from the workshop into tangible actions within their departments.

“The test is not what happens in this room, [but] what happens when you return to your desks,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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