Category: South Africa Government

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has called for a balanced approach to migration that protects South Africa’s borders while upholding the dignity and human rights of foreign nationals and other vulnerable groups.

Chikunga made the call at the Gertrude Ntiti Shope Memorial Lecture, held at Freedom Park in Pretoria, on Saturday.

Delivering the keynote address, Chikunga reflected on the legacy of the late liberation struggle stalwart and used her life and internationalist outlook to highlight the need for humane and orderly migration policies.

Chikunga said South Africa’s approach to migration must be informed by the country’s history, noting that apartheid used migration and migrant labour as instruments of domination, exploitation and subordination.

“Migration has become one of the defining challenges of our time. War, political instability, poverty, economic inequality, persecution and environmental disasters continue to push people across borders in search of safety and opportunity,” Chikunga said.

The Minister acknowledged that the mismanagement of migration can leave communities concerned about the governance of borders, public services and labour markets.

However, she warned against allowing such concerns to result in foreign nationals being blamed for broader social and economic problems.

Chikunga said the legacy of Ma Shope, who lived and worked in several countries during her years in exile, offered important lessons on migration, solidarity and human dignity.

She highlighted the vulnerability of women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities, refugees and victims of trafficking, saying these groups often carry the heaviest burden when migration systems fail.

“Their vulnerability must never become an opportunity for exploitation, abuse or political mobilisation.”

Chikunga noted that South Africa has both the right and responsibility to secure its borders and enforce its immigration laws, while ensuring that these processes are carried out through lawful and fair procedures.

The Minister stressed that immigration law enforcement should remain the responsibility of authorised state institutions, warning against communities taking the law into their own hands by stopping people in the streets to demand proof of nationality.

She also condemned the exploitation of undocumented workers by employers who take advantage of their vulnerable status. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Southern African Development Community (SADC) Executive Secretary Elias Magosi has called on the regional bloc’s leadership to remain resolute on the path to advancing regional integration. 

Magosi made these remarks during the opening session of the 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the SADC, currently underway in Durban.

The region is home to more than 382 million people and a combined Gross Domestic Product exceeding US$847 billion, making it ripe for increased shared prosperity.

“As we celebrate SADC Day today, we should remain optimistic and resolute in advancing regional integration. We should continue building a region that is united in purpose, resilient in the face of challenges, and steadfast in advancing the prosperity and dignity of all its people.

“We should build a SADC where peace prevails, economies grow, industries flourish, trade expands, young people thrive, and opportunity reaches every community,” Magosi said on Monday. 

He highlighted that the SADC region is not immune to external challenges, with a rapidly changing global environment causing “economic uncertainty, climate-related challenges, technological transformation, and shifting geopolitical realities.”

Magosi emphasised that these challenges require deepening regional integration and enhanced collaboration.

“We now realise that we can no longer depend on others elsewhere but ourselves, that we need each other more and must depend on each other more, and so must we trust each other more. Equally, in an increasingly interconnected world, no country can realise its full potential in isolation.

“Our strength lies in working together, trading together, investing together, and building together. Your Excellencies, I believe that we have a duty to create this reality and future for ourselves,” he said.

With the global march towards clean energy and the region’s vast endowments in the minerals and natural resources needed for clean energy technologies, the SADC region stands at the precipice of prosperity.

“Our ambition must be to move beyond the export of raw materials and position SADC as a globally competitive centre for beneficiation, value addition, manufacturing, innovation, and industrialisation. However, the challenge for us as a region is not a lack of these strategic resources, nor is it that we don’t know their potential to transform our economies and change our fortunes.

“It is not even that we have not talked about them and made commitments to change the trajectory. The challenge is when do we stop exporting them in raw form and start adding value to them and creating sustainable jobs and wealth. Once more, we do not need permission from anyone to start this process. Let us start now,” Magosi urged.

Industrialisation and the SADC

Magosi told the gathering that increased industrialisation is a key factor in the regional bloc’s ambitions to achieve structural transformation, economic diversification, job creation, poverty reduction and improved living standards.

“However, industrialisation cannot succeed without modern and reliable infrastructure. Robust and sustainable energy systems, refreshed and reliable transport networks, ports and logistics platforms, and cost-effective digital connectivity are indispensable enablers of industrialisation and ultimately competitiveness and economic growth.

“Agriculture also remains a cornerstone of many of our economies and a source of livelihood for millions of our citizens. Despite climate-related challenges, Member States continue to invest in irrigation, mechanisation, climate-smart agriculture, improved seed systems, and agro-processing,” he noted.

Powering all these industries will be the youth of the SADC who count for more than half of the region’s population. 

“The success of our region will depend largely on its people, particularly our youth. As technological change accelerates and economies become increasingly knowledge-driven, it is imperative that our young people are equipped with the skills, education, and opportunities necessary to thrive.

“Investment in quality education, technical and vocational skills development, digital literacy, innovation, entrepreneurship, science, and technology must therefore remain among our regional priorities.

“We must create an enabling environment that empowers young women and men to participate meaningfully in economic transformation. Supporting youth-led enterprises, expanding access to finance and technology, and creating pathways to decent employment will be critical to our long-term success,” Magosi said. – SAnews.gov.za

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has described liberation struggle stalwart Gertrude Ntiti Shope as a towering figure whose contribution to South Africa’s freedom and women’s empowerment continues to shape the country. 

Chikunga was delivering the keynote address at the Gertrude Ntiti Shope Memorial Lecture, held at Freedom Park in Pretoria on Saturday, where she honoured Shope’s lifelong contribution to the liberation struggle and reflected on the lessons her life holds for current and future generations. 

Chikunga noted that the memorial lecture was particularly significant in 2026, as South Africa marks 70 years since the historic 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings, when 20 000 women united against apartheid pass laws.

She said Shope’s life was a powerful illustration of this year’s Women’s Month and Platinum Jubilee Year theme: “Empowered Women, Empower Nations.”

The Minister described Shope as a trained teacher who gave up her profession as part of the campaign to boycott Bantu Education, a wife and mother who raised her children in exile, and a political leader who returned to South Africa after nearly 25 years to rebuild the women’s movement.

“The League she rebuilt in the 1990s has produced Speakers of our Parliament, Premiers, Ministers and judges. She empowered an entire generation, and through that generation, a nation,” Chikunga said.

She said Shope’s contribution should be remembered not only as part of South Africa’s history, but as an example of the resilience, courage and leadership of women who challenged oppression, despite enormous odds. 

Chikunga recalled Shope’s decision to leave teaching in opposition to the Bantu Education system, saying she understood that education could either become an instrument of liberation or reproduce oppression from one generation to the next.

“She chose to disrupt this vicious cycle. She put her career aside because her generation understood that the Bantu Education Act of 1953 was designed not to educate but to manufacture servants,” Chikunga said.

She said the struggle against Bantu Education was fundamentally a struggle against apartheid’s broader system of racial and economic domination.

Chikunga also highlighted Shope’s leadership in the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW), particularly its campaign for full equality of opportunity for women, regardless of race, colour or creed, and the removal of the social, legal and economic disabilities imposed on women.

She said Shope’s subsequent years in exile, during which she worked in countries including Czechoslovakia, Botswana, Tanzania, Zambia and Nigeria, further demonstrated her commitment to the liberation struggle and international solidarity.

“In each of these roles, Ma Shope demonstrated the limitless potential of women to excel in every area of human endeavour, even when the odds were heavily stacked against progressive forces.

“She demonstrated that women are not auxiliary participants in history. She demonstrated the capability of women as organisers, educators, diplomats, political strategists, legislators and leaders,” the Minister said.

Chikunga also paid tribute to Shope’s contribution to rebuilding the women’s movement following her return to South Africa, saying her influence extended beyond her own generation.

She quoted former International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor, who in 2022 described Shope as belonging to “a rare breed of women” whose impact on the country’s political progress was yet to be fully appreciated.

According to Chikunga, remembering Shope is also important at a time when younger generations are sometimes encouraged to forget the past and focus exclusively on the future.

The Minister commended Freedom Park for hosting the memorial lecture and helping to preserve Shope’s legacy.

“A nation cannot move confidently into its future if it has been taught to forget the people whose sacrifices made that future possible,” Chikunga said.

She said Shope’s legacy remained relevant to contemporary debates, particularly around women’s empowerment, education, migration, human dignity and South Africa’s relationship with the rest of the continent. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, has commended the multidisciplinary team, following the arrest of a second suspect in connection with the tragic shooting in Reiger Park, Ekurhuleni, on 7 August 2026.

The team was led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit and flying squad, as well as the Reiger Park community.

The shooting claimed the lives of two members of the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit as well as two young civilian women. 

The arrest of the second suspect follows the arrest of the first suspect last week, who has since appeared in court. 

These developments demonstrate the commitment and determination of our law enforcement teams to ensure that those responsible for this heinous crime are brought before the courts to face justice but also highlight the importance of communities working together with the police.

“We commend the members of all the teams involved in this investigation for the progress that has been made. The arrest of a second suspect is another important step towards ensuring that everyone responsible for this senseless loss of life is held accountable. 

“We thank the members of the community who have worked with our law enforcement teams and provided information that has assisted in advancing this investigation. The cooperation between communities and the police is critical in ensuring that those who commit such heinous crimes are brought to justice. 

“We continue to mourn the loss of these two brave members who dedicated their lives to fighting gangs and protecting our communities. We also remember the two young women whose lives were tragically cut short. 

“Our thoughts remain with all the bereaved families during this difficult period. We encourage the community to continue working with the police and to share any information that may assist in identifying and apprehending those who remain at large,” the Minister said.

The two police officers were conducting patrols in the area when they heard gunshots and moved towards the source of the shots and were subsequently shot and killed.

A week ago, the Acting National Commissioner appealed to the community of Reiger Park and surrounding areas to stand with the police and assist investigators in bringing to justice those responsible for the killings. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) says blasting activities on the R61 between Baziya and All Saints will result in a temporary road closure in the Eastern Cape.

The blasting will take place on the R61 Section 6, about 100 metres off the R61 on the left-hand side at Borrow Pit 1, between km 73.5 and km 76. 

The blasting is scheduled between 13:00 and 15:00 on Monday, 24 August 2026, and Monday, 7 September 2026.

“To ensure the safety of road users and allow adequate time for blasting and clean-up operations, the road will be temporarily closed for approximately one hour. Please note that there are no suitable alternative routes within this section,” SANRAL said on Monday.

Alternative routes, including the N2, will result in significantly longer travel times than the anticipated waiting period during the temporary closure.

“Motorists are asked to plan their trips accordingly and exercise caution when using the road. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused,” SANRAL Eastern Cape Provincial Head Mbulelo Peterson said. –SAnews.gov.za

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says a surface high-pressure system is expected to dominate most parts of the country this week, resulting in fine and warm to cool conditions.

“However, a surface low is expected to develop over the western interior on Wednesday and Friday. Cold fronts are expected to pass south of the country, with isolated showers possible along the east and south coasts,” the weather service said.

Monday’s forecast indicates fine and warm to cool conditions across the country, becoming partly cloudy over the south-western parts, with isolated showers possible along the west coast of the Western Cape.

“Partly cloudy conditions are expected over the southern parts of the country on Tuesday, with isolated showers possible along the south-western coast of the Western Cape and the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal in the evening,” SAWS said. –SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on Southern African leaders to deepen regional unity and integration, saying the people of the region are bound by a shared history and a common aspiration for peace, justice and prosperity.

President Ramaphosa made the call during a State banquet hosted in eThekwini on Sunday evening, on the eve of the 46th Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government.

Welcoming Heads of State and Government, Ministers and other delegates to KwaZulu-Natal, President Ramaphosa described the region as a family united by a common struggle and a shared vision for the future.

“We gather here not just as a community, but as a family. We gather as people born of the same soil, forged in common struggle and united by an abiding desire for freedom, justice and equality,” President Ramaphosa said.

He said the presence of regional leaders in South Africa affirmed the “enduring bonds of friendship and solidarity” that unite the people of Southern Africa.

KwaZulu-Natal’s liberation legacy

President Ramaphosa said KwaZulu-Natal was a fitting setting for the regional gathering, given its contribution to South Africa’s liberation struggle and Africa’s broader pursuit of independence and self-determination.

“KwaZulu-Natal is the birthplace of many giants whose courage and vision contributed not only to South Africa’s liberation, but also to Africa’s broader struggle for independence, dignity and self-determination,” he said.

He highlighted the contributions of Inkosi Albert Luthuli, John Langalibalele Dube and Pixley ka Isaka Seme, describing them as leaders who helped establish a tradition of principled leadership whose influence extended beyond South Africa’s borders.

“KwaZulu-Natal is therefore an inspiring setting for a summit of leaders dedicated to advancing our shared vision for Southern Africa,” President Ramaphosa said.

Renewing regional commitment

Reflecting on preparations for the Summit, President Ramaphosa expressed appreciation to SADC Ministers, Senior Officials, the SADC Secretariat and others involved in preparing for the leaders’ deliberations.

He noted that the meetings held over recent days, including those of Senior Officials, the Council of Ministers and SADC Industrialisation Week, had demonstrated the region’s commitment to advancing regional progress.

“Tomorrow, as leaders of our region gather in Summit, we will have the opportunity to renew our political commitment to further unite and integrate our region,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said the Summit also provided an opportunity for leaders to strengthen their collective efforts to improve the lives of citizens through stronger economies and vibrant societies.

“It is an opportunity to strengthen our collective resolve to improve the lives of our citizens by building strong economies and vibrant societies – to give meaning to the aspirations of the young people of Southern Africa,” he said.

From diplomacy to fellowship

The President said the state banquet offered an opportunity for leaders and delegations to move beyond formal engagements and build personal and people-to-people bonds.

“This evening, the formal programme gives way to fellowship. This evening, we celebrate our shared heritage, strengthen old friendships, forge new partnerships and enjoy the hospitality of our country,” he said.

President Ramaphosa encouraged guests to experience the culture, music and cuisine of KwaZulu-Natal, expressing hope that their stay in South Africa would be memorable and rewarding.

He concluded by raising a toast to the region’s continued unity, peace and prosperity.

“To the continued unity of SADC, to the peace and prosperity of our region and to the health, happiness and success of the leaders and peoples of Southern Africa.”

The 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government takes place in Durban on Monday, where regional leaders are expected to deliberate on matters affecting peace and security, regional integration, economic development and the advancement of the SADC agenda. – SAnews.gov.za

The stage is set, comprehensive preparations have been finalised and Durban is prepared to host the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC).

The summit kicks off today at the ICC in Durban, with leaders from around the regional bloc poised to engage on matters that will impact the future of Southern Africa and its people.

At a welcoming dinner hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa for the regional leaders, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola highlighted the coastal city’s historic role as a hub of regional unity, struggle and diversity.

Lamola described the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC as a fitting host for the summit, particularly with regard to the liberation hero it is named after.

Speaking on the life of Inkosi Albert Luthuli, Lamola described the leader’s life as a reflection of the “interconnected character of Southern Africa” even before the words ‘regional integration’ entered the Southern African lexicon.

Luthuli was born near Bulawayo, which is in present day Zimbabwe, into a family with roots in then Natal and he later returned to the province as a teacher, traditional leader and a President-General of the African National Congress.

“His life reminds us of the bonds that connect the peoples of this region. Durban itself is a repository of that history. Here in Durban, women, some with roots extending beyond South Africa, rose against a regime that sought to dispossess them of one of the few economic activities open to African women as the time, the sale of traditional beer.

“It was also here that workers carried the struggle for dignity and democracy…mostly notable during the Durban strikes of 1973. A year later, Durban was a sight of one of the two Viva Frelimo rallies planned in 1974 to celebrate a major breakthrough of Mozambique’s struggles against Portuguese colonialism,” Lamola said.

The minister added that the city itself is a reflection of South Africa’s diversity and the “many hands that build our cities, drawn from across South Africa, across our region and from as far afield as the Indian subcontinent”. 

“This history makes Durban a fitting place from which to imagine the future of our region – a peaceful and inclusive region in which all our people can enjoy sustainable economic wellbeing, justice and freedom.

“[Today] the hard work begins of the summit. We will confront important questions about the state of our region and the progress we are making towards Vision 2050,” Lamola stated.

Safe and secure

Meanwhile, police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe has moved to assure heads of state, officials and delegates that security measures are in place to ensure a smooth event, adding that police have left nothing to chance with meticulous planning.

“We are aware of the planned marches ahead of the heads of state meeting and we can assure the people of…South Africa that we have put adequate and sufficient measures in place to ensure that there are no disruptions to this regional event.

“We are urging the demonstrators and protestors to respect the rule of law and to protest peacefully and lawfully. We will not allow any criminal incidents and activities, we will not allow intimidation, disruptions and threats that are being made to various Heads of State.

“We would like to assure the participants of the summit that the measures that we have put in place are quite sufficient, they are adequate, we have enough members on the ground to ensure that this event takes place without any major incident,” Mathe stated.

She noted that police have been hard at work at all summit build-up events and meetings with no disruptions or incidents reported.

“The NATJOINTS [National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure] has a proven track record of ensuring the safety and security of major events in the country so we are quite confident that this event, too, will take place in a safe and secure environment,” Mathe assured. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to late African National Congress (ANC) President Oliver Reginald Tambo, highlighting his enduring contribution to South Africa’s liberation and the solidarity of Southern African countries in the struggle against apartheid.

President Ramaphosa on Sunday joined Heads of State and Government from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region for a wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of O.R. Tambo at OR Tambo Square in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal.

The ceremony was held on the margins of the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, which is taking place in Durban this weekend. 

President Ramaphosa was received at the ceremony by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola and eThekwini Executive Mayor Cyril Xaba.

The wreath-laying honoured Tambo’s legacy as one of South Africa’s foremost liberation struggle leaders and recognised his leadership, sacrifice and international advocacy in the fight against apartheid.

It also highlighted his role in mobilising regional support for South Africa’s liberation struggle and advancing solidarity among the countries of Southern Africa.

Delivering the opening remarks, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the ceremony was an opportunity to honour the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Southern Africa.

“I take this opportunity to welcome you to the wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the fallen heroes for the struggle of the countries of Southern Africa in their totality. We do this at the foot of the statue of President General Reginald Oliver Tambo of the African National Congress, who led the ANC during their years in exile and made sure that he mobilised the region… to make sure that they support South Africa to live in their fight for freedom and liberation,” the Minister said. 

Ntshavheni said Tambo’s leadership extended beyond South Africa, with the former ANC President playing a significant role in mobilising the Frontline States [a coalition of Southern African nations formed in the 1970s to end apartheid, minority rule and colonialism] to support liberation efforts across the region.

“In the quest for the liberation of South Africa, the Frontline States worked together to make sure that other countries within the region also get their freedom..” Ntshavheni said. 

She said the region’s liberation came at a significant cost, with many men and women sacrificing their lives in the struggle against apartheid and destabilisation.

“In this, we honour the fallen heroes of the Matola massacre, of the Maseru massacre, of the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale and the many contributions that were made by other countries to the freedom and liberation of South Africa, but also for the region of SADC, the peace and stability we enjoy today as a region is because the men and women we are going to honour today sacrificed their lives for SADC to be free and to enjoy total liberty,” she said. 

The Minister said the wreath-laying ceremony also served as a reminder of the unity and common purpose that underpinned the region’s liberation struggle.

“As requests for the economic development and continued solidarity of SADC, this symbolism of wreath laying reminds us of our unity and unity of purpose,” she said. 

Following the welcome remarks, military honours were rendered before President Ramaphosa laid a wreath at the statue of Tambo alongside leaders from the SADC region.

The ceremony further underscored the continued relevance of Tambo’s legacy to SADC’s pursuit of peace, stability, regional integration and economic development.

Tambo, who led the ANC in exile for decades, was instrumental in building international support for the anti-apartheid struggle and strengthening relations with countries that supported South Africa’s liberation.

His contribution is closely associated with the solidarity extended by the Frontline States to South Africa and other liberation movements in the region.

The commemoration comes as SADC leaders gather in Durban, KwaZulu Natal to deliberate on matters affecting the region, including peace and security, development and regional integration.

The wreath-laying ceremony served as a reminder that the regional cooperation enjoyed today was forged through a shared history of struggle, sacrifice and solidarity. – SAnews.gov.za