Category: South Africa Government

President Cyril Ramaphosa says while many South Africans believe the country is turning the corner, government remains mindful of the “huge problems” that still need urgent attention.

Speaking at the Drakenstein Correctional Facility ahead of the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), the President reflected on the national mood and the tone South Africans can expect when he addresses the Joint Sitting of Parliament on Thursday evening.

Responding to a question on whether the “ship is turning” and if optimism would define his message, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the growing sentiment that the country is on an upward trajectory.

“…Many people do say that we are turning the corner. We’ve turned the corner, and things are beginning to look a lot better, but…. there are still huge problems that we have to deal with,” he said on Wednesday.

The President noted that the past decade has been particularly challenging for the country and its people. 

“The past… 10 years or so have been very difficult, and our people have gone through great challenges and great difficulties. We need to reflect on all of that, but we also need to reflect on what the future portends because this moment gives us an opportunity to look back, look at the present and look forward,” he said.

His remarks suggest that SONA 2026 will balance sober reflection with cautious hope, acknowledging progress while confronting persistent structural challenges.

When asked what would keep him up on the eve of the Address, the President struck a confident and light-hearted tone.

“Tonight, I’m going to have a very, very deep sleep, and I’m not going to be up. I want to be ready to deliver the speech. The speech is done and dusted,” he said.

President Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 12 February, deliver the State of the Nation Address to a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) at Cape Town City Hall.

The State of the Nation Address is an annual overview delivered by the President to mobilise all sectors of society to secure ongoing development in the country. The Joint Sitting provides an opportunity for the President to reflect on progress made, highlight key achievements, flag challenges, and outline government’s policy direction and programme of action for the year ahead.

During SONA 2026, President Ramaphosa is expected to outline interventions for the coming financial year, deliberating on South Africa’s domestic priorities, as well as the country’s continental and international relations.

The State of the Nation Address remains an important national milestone, reinforcing the strength and resilience of South Africa’s constitutional democratic system.

The Address will take place at 19h00 at Cape Town City Hall in the Western Cape. – SAnews.gov.za

The Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) has facilitated nearly 295 000 earning opportunities for youth during the third quarter of this financial year.

This according to Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli who released the PYEI 2025/26 third quarter results in Cape Town on Wednesday.

The results cover the time span between October and December last year and show, amongst others, that:

• Some 294 530 earning opportunity were secured
• Over 11 000 work experience opportunities were created through partnerships with higher learning institutions and the private sector
• More than 6 700 enterprise opportunities were provided to support youth entrepreneurship through the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)

“Furthermore, our revitalised National Youth Service…continues to expand with 132 784 young people having been placed in paid service opportunities to date.

“These achievements show that the PYEI is not only growing in scale but also in length, diversity and sustainability of opportunities,” Mhlauli said.

She emphasised that the quarter’s most important milestone is the “continued success” of the Jobs Boost Fund.

The fund – which is in its pilot phase this financial year – is aimed at delivering high-quality jobs for previously excluded youth by incentivising skills providers to deliver appropriate skills development and support job readiness programmes and interventions.

“Over 9 170 young people have enrolled into this particular programme. Which means we have been able to exceed our target for this financial year.

“Of the young people enrolled in this programme, 7 200 young people have already been placed into jobs,” she said.

Young people are encouraged to take up the opportunities presented on the zero rated sayouth.mobi site where opportunities are listed. 

“You will find all opportunities related to every and anything youth related. On [the site], you will find earning and learning opportunities, access to work experience and enterprise support. You will receive work readiness support and guidance.

“This platform is designed to ensure that no young person is excluded because of cost, location or lack of access to information,” the Deputy Minister said.

Since inception, the PYEI has reached more than 5 million young people with 2.36 million earning opportunities facilitated through SA Youth and an additional 402 515 opportunities through the labour department’s Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA).

“The PYEI is part of a broader national effort to remove structural barriers to job creation and economic participation. We are building a South Africa where young people participate in the economy with dignity, agency and hope.

“The progress report we present today is encouraging but our work is far from complete. Youth unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges that we face as a nation but through partnership, innovation and persistence we are steadily expanding pathways to earning for millions of our young South Africans,” Mhlauli concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Parliament is gearing up for one of the most significant events on South Africa’s democratic calendar as preparations gather pace for the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) – a sitting that coincides with the 30th anniversary of the country’s Constitution.

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane led a briefing outlining Parliament’s state of readiness for the landmark occasion.

SONA, a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly and the NCOP convened by the President in terms of Section 42(5) of the Constitution, will take place on Thursday, 12 February, at 19:00 at the Cape Town City Hall.

Describing the event as a defining moment in the democratic calendar, Didiza said SONA brings together the three arms of the state under one roof.

She emphasised that the address is more than ceremonial, as it is a key accountability platform.

Outlining Parliament’s preparations, Didiza said SONA provides President Cyril Ramaphosa with the opportunity to reflect on progress made and set out government’s priorities for the year ahead.

“He outlines priorities for the year ahead and presents government’s programme of action. These commitments become the benchmarks against which Parliament measures executive performance through community oversight, debates and legislative processes,” Didiza said.

About 490 Members of Parliament, including representatives of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), will be seated in the chamber, while invited guests will occupy the public gallery. Additional attendees will be accommodated in an overflow venue.

In line with Section 2 of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, City Hall has formally been designated a parliamentary precinct for the purposes of SONA, Didiza confirmed.

Following the President’s address, Parliament will shift into debate mode. A two-day Joint Debate involving members of both Houses is scheduled for 17 and 18 February, with the President’s reply set for 19 February, concluding this phase of the SONA programme.

“The debates and President’s response will be held in the Dome, which was handed over by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure last Friday,” Didiza said.

The 2026 address is expected to draw a wide range of distinguished guests, including former Presidents and Presiding Officers, members of the Judiciary, heads of institutions supporting democracy, traditional leaders, representatives of local government, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Reflecting on South Africa’s democratic journey

Beyond the policy agenda, SONA 2026 carries added historical weight. The address takes place in the year South Africa marks 30 years since the adoption of its Constitution in 1996.

Didiza said the milestone presents an opportunity for reflection and renewal.

The anniversary, she noted, invites South Africans to reflect on the country’s democratic journey and recommit to the constitutional values of dignity, equality, freedom and accountability that continue to guide government’s work.

She further highlighted that 16 June 2026 will mark 50 years since the Soweto Uprising – a pivotal chapter in the nation’s history that underscored the contribution of young people to South Africa’s democratisation.

Looking ahead, Didiza also pointed to Parliament’s global engagement, noting: “In September 2026, Parliament will host the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, an international gathering that reinforces South Africa’s role in advancing global parliamentary democracy.”  – SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has appointed Dr Gary Bauer to formally represent the wildlife sector on the Ministerial Task Team overseeing South Africa’s response to the current foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak.

Bauer brings crucial expertise at a time when the intersection between wildlife, livestock and disease control has never been more important.

“The wildlife sector must be fully integrated into our FMD Recovery Plan. Buffaloes are central to the epidemiology of this disease in Southern Africa. Any serious strategy to restore our status must account for that reality,” the Minister said on Wednesday.

African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) are the natural, asymptomatic reservoir hosts of all three Southern African Territories (SAT) serotypes of the FMD virus. 

They maintain and transmit the virus and remain the primary source of infection for livestock in Southern Africa. 

“Buffalo herds in red-line districts remain persistent carriers, and once a herd is infected, the virus cannot be eradicated from that herd.

“The implications are profound. South Africa has more than 3 200 registered disease-free buffalo farms, supporting tens of thousands of jobs in remote rural areas and contributing billions of rand annually to hunting, tourism, genetic sales and related services. The disease-free buffalo industry is, therefore, highly vulnerable to the current outbreaks,” the Ministry of Agriculture said.

Where infection occurs in a certified disease-free herd, current protocols require the complete culling of the herd. 

“In large reserves, spanning tens of thousands of hectares, with thousands of buffaloes, this is practically unworkable and poses enormous logistical, environmental and economic challenges.

“Other wildlife species such as warthog and kudu can act as intermediaries, while poor fencing, shared water points and intensive feeding practices increase transmission risk. 

“Targeted cattle vaccination around buffalo zones, strict biosecurity, and science-based movement control are, therefore, essential pillars of the national response,” the Ministry said.

The Minister’s strategy remains clear: South Africa will vaccinate the national herd in a phased, controlled and verifiable manner to regain FMD-free status with vaccination from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

The Ministerial Task Team forms part of the broader triangular structure established to drive recovery – the Department of Agriculture, the Technical and Scientific Task Team and the FMD Industry Coordination Council. This partnership ensures alignment between policy, veterinary science and operational execution.

“The stakes are extremely high. If we do not get this right, the consequences for both livestock and wildlife will be long-lasting. But if we stay disciplined, science-driven and united, we can restore our status and protect the entire value chain,” Steenhuisen said.

The task team is currently implementing a decisive, fact-driven blueprint focused on vaccination, regionalisation, traceability, surveillance and market re-entry readiness.

The Ministry said Dr Bauer’s appointment strengthens that effort and ensures that the wildlife industry’s expertise is fully integrated into South Africa’s National Disease Recovery Plan. – SAnews.gov.za

By Nomonde Mnukwa 
As South Africans prepare to listen and watch the State of the Nation Address (SoNa) on 12 February 2026 at 7pm, the country does so at a time marked by positive developments which include the strengthening of the rand, consecutive quarters of economic growth and having consistent power supply from Eskom.

Our immediate task now is to sustain these positive developments which are as a result of multistakeholder approach aimed at building an inclusive economy. One of the most significant indicators of renewed confidence has been reflected in our economy. South Africa’s sovereign credit rating upgrade from ‘BB-‘ to ‘BB’, the first in nearly two decades, signals sound financial policies, advanced structural reforms, and a more stable political environment. 

This development carries real benefits for the country and South Africans such as reduced borrowing costs, increased investor confidence and greater capacity for government to direct resources toward infrastructure and social development. This milestone stands as evidence that our reforms are beginning to deliver results.

Our progress is also reinforced by South Africa’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force greylist and the European Union’s list of High-Risk third-country jurisdictions. Achieved through enhanced oversight and tackling deficiencies, this outcome underscores a renewed national commitment to transparency, accountability, and the integrity of our financial system. It has fortified South Africa’s standing in global markets and reaffirmed our commitment to international standards of governance and compliance.

Moreover, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has been extended until the end of the year and will provide relief on South African products exported to the United States of America and also accelerate our nation’s economic outlook on the global front. AGOA restores certainty for exporters and investors alike through providing duty-free entry for more than 1800 South African products in the United States of America. 

By supporting key sectors such as the automotive, agriculture and manufacturing industries, AGOA not only protects jobs and enhances competitiveness, but also supports government’s broader efforts to advancing inclusive economic growth and development.

Our economy is also starting to show growth which has also been evident across broader financial indicators. A strengthening rand, easing inflationary pressures, and consecutive quarter of economic growth points to an economy that is gaining momentum. These gains reflect not only government intervention, but also the resilience and contribution of workers, businesses, and communities who continue to invest in South Africa’s future, even amidst global uncertainty.

Furthermore, one of our biggest contributors to South Africa’s growing economy, our tourism sector welcomed 10 498 506 international arrivals between January and December 2025, a 17.6 percent (1 579 136) increase compared to the 8,919,370 international arrivals of 2024, which is our highest on record to date. This surge reaffirms our status as a premier global destination and the beating heart of tourism on the African continent.

We are also making progress in stabilising electricity power supply and in this financial year we experienced 238 consecutive days without an interrupted power supply, with only 26 hours of loadshedding recorded in April and May 2025. Our Energy Availability Factor stood at 64.55 percent at the end of January 2026, reflecting on the progress of Eskom’s intensive maintenance, operational improvements, and strategic interventions. 

We have also classified Gender-Based Violence and Femicide as a national disaster to enable faster mobilisation of resources, strengthened coordination, and expanded support for survivors. These measures reflect a commitment to building a safer, more caring society.

As South Africans prepare for the State of the Nation Address, these developments offer renewed hope and provide motivation to continue building a better nation for everyone. Progress is possible when leadership, institutions, and citizens work together with shared purpose.  While challenges remain, the highlights of the past year point to a country steadily regaining momentum and moving forward with resolve, responsibility, and confidence in its collective future.

*Mnukwa is the Acting Director-General at the the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)

Visually impaired visitors will now be able to access and engage with coastal environmental information at the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve in Cape Town, following the unveiling of the first Braille informational beach signage.

“The signage we unveiled today features Braille, raised tactile text, and QR codes that provide audio descriptions and access to additional data and information,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Willie Aucamp said on Wednesday.

Addressing the unveiling ceremony, the Minister said the signage is moving from a philosophy of “look and  read” to one of “touch, listen, feel and experience.”

He announced that the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is in the process of revitalising the national coastal signage.

“This revitalization is about more than just fresh paint or new timber. It is about technological integration and, most importantly, it is about inclusivity. 

“I want our department to take this project out to all our Harbours. I want to be able to visit Mossel Bay and have all people have access to these spaces,” he said.

The department is collaborating with the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) on this project.

“I declare my department is absolutely ready to work with everyone to bring this to everyone. We are currently working on a Collaboration Framework that aligns our legislative mandate for integrated coastal management, to protect the coast, with WESSA’s century-long legacy of mobilising citizen action.

“The new content we are introducing is vibrant and engaging. We are telling the story of ‘Life on the Edge’. We are inviting the public – sighted and visually impaired alike – to meet the ‘Noisy Mother,’  the African Black Oystercatcher. We are teaching visitors how the White Sand Mussel ploughs through the wet sand, and how the Three-spot Swimming Crab navigates the turbulent surf.

“That is not only for people who can see or read. These stories create a connection, and connections foster care,” Aucamp said. – SAnews.gov.za

Operation Shanela II has netted more suspects in the Free State. 

This, for various offences, including being in possession of unlicensed firearms and drugs.  

During the past weekly planned operations, Visible Policing Unit members in Ficksburg arrested two suspects during a stop-and-search activity, the police said in a statement. 

The team pulled over a light green Toyota Corolla in Meqheleng Zone 2, and upon searching the motor vehicle, found four blue plastic wrapped parcels containing dagga weighing at 2.17kg. 

“The provincial Anti-Gang Unit operationalised intelligence and apprehended a 32-year-old male from Johannesburg transporting Nyaope with an estimated street value of R200 000 to Ficksburg.

“A 37-year-old foreign national was arrested by the provincial Anti-Gang Unit for being in possession of large quantities of Cat and Chrystal Meth with an estimated street value of R110 000 and 11 presumably stolen cellphones were confiscated,” the police said. 

Welkom Public Order Policing Unit operators apprehended a 42-year-old female for dealing in Mandrax and Tik in Monyakeng, Wesselsbron.

Two suspects were arrested for being in possession and dealing in drugs in Phuthaditjhaba. 

The Welkom Anti-Gang Unit apprehended a 33-year-old male in possession of large quantity of ‘rock’, also referred to as cocaine, and confiscated cash believed to be proceeds of drugs sale. A second suspect, 34, was arrested at a local shopping complex, and Chrystal Meth as well as Nyaope, were seized by the police.

Another suspect, a 22-year-old drug peddler was found selling various kinds of drugs in the Bloemfontein Central Business District from a supermarket till. The street value of the drugs seized is estimated at R150 000 and the suspect was immediately placed under arrest by the provincial Anti-Gang Unit.

The unit operationalised intelligence in Phiritona, Heilbron. During the search, the team seized .38 Special Taurus Revolver, eight presumably stolen cellular telephones and Chrystal Meth with an estimated street value of R100 000. Two suspects aged 18 and 35 were immediately placed under arrest.

A 24-year-old male was arrested by the Welkom Anti-Gang Unit in Hlatseng Village, Qwaqwa. The team conducted a search at the suspect’s residence and recovered a 9mm calibre black pistol with an empty magazine.

In another incident, five foreign nationals were arrested in connection with the double murder in Namibia Square, Mangaung by the Provincial Track and Trace team and Parkweg Tactical Response Team in collaboration with various community safety structures. A 9mm calibre black pistol and a magazine loaded with six rounds were seized.

During the execution of planned operational concepts, five handguns were seized. A total weight of 266.54g of Tik, 81g of Nyaope, 10.41g of Cocaine, 12.37kg of dagga, 20.33g of Mandrax powder and 69 Mandrax tablets were confiscated. 

The police said multidisciplinary integrated Operation Shanela II policing operations will continue. – SAnews.gov.za

City of Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has moved to assure residents that the municipality is hard at work to resolve water supply challenges.

The Mayor briefed the media on Tuesday at the New Brixton Reservoir in the city.

Several areas have faced water supply challenges over the past few weeks.

“The city…is taking decisive action to stabilise the water supply network and reduce consumption through a comprehensive, multifaceted Water Demand Management programme.

“This approach involves coordinated efforts between the city, Johannesburg Water, Rand Water, and key stakeholders to address both immediate and long-term water security challenges.

“The programme includes detailed assessments of water usage patterns, targeted interventions in high-risk areas, and the deployment of cutting-edge technologies to monitor and optimise the entire supply system,” Morero said in a statement.

He noted that Johannesburg is one of Rand Water’s largest consumers of bulk water with reductions in usage needed.

The Mayor added that while progress has been made in this regard, the city must still “reach a critical target of 1 550 Ml/d to comply with licence apportionment requirements”.

“To achieve this, our administration is implementing a suite of urgent, practical interventions, including real-time monitoring of consumption at the district and household levels, partnerships with businesses to drive water-saving initiatives, and enhanced public awareness campaigns.

“These efforts are aimed at protecting supply, meeting regulatory obligations, and building long-term resilience within the municipal water system.

“Immediate measures already underway include night-time throttling to reduce losses, strategic bulk meter restrictions in high-consumption zones, intensified pressure management, and advanced leak detection technologies deployed across the network,” he said.

Additionally, rapid response repairs are being carried out on leaks and problem areas are being identified quicker with the help of local ward committees.

“These actions are designed to curb excessive demand, minimise water wastage, and ensure fair and sustainable access to water for all residents,” Morero assured.

The Mayor noted that communities in areas including Melville, Westdene, and Parktown West have faced water supply disruptions due to “constraints within the Commando system and ongoing commissioning work”.

Technical teams deployed to the area are addressing water pressure issues, flushing networks to clear blockages and securing “alternative supply via water tankers and mobile storage units where necessary”.

“The city is also providing regular updates to affected residents and maintaining open communication with local councillors to ensure community needs are met throughout the restoration process.

“At the same time, the city is investing in major infrastructure upgrades in the Brixton, Crosby, and Hursthill supply districts, including the construction of new reservoirs, the installation of modern pump stations, and the refurbishment of ageing infrastructure.

“These projects are expected to significantly improve capacity, operational flexibility, and resilience upon completion,” Morero said.

The Mayor called on residents to reduce usage of water and to use it sparingly.

“The city acknowledges the inconvenience caused by water supply challenges and assures residents that every effort is being made to stabilise the network as quickly as possible.

“To support these efforts, all residents, businesses, and institutions are urged to reduce water consumption, report leaks promptly and strictly adhere to water-saving measures during this period. The city will continue to provide timely updates as projects progress.

“Johannesburg remains committed to protecting essential services, strengthening infrastructure, and ensuring a reliable and sustainable water future for all,” Morero concluded. – SAnews.gov.za